Aids and Orthoses in Patients with Stroke Consequences

Abstract

The presence of alterations in the muscular tone and in the normal motorial synergies at an articular level causes interferences in the functional recovery of patients with stroke consequences. In the rehabilitative field there are some aids that are useful to replace the compromised functions and to make the patient as autonomous as possible in the common movements of the everyday life. The orthoses are used mainly in two cases: to prevent and/or to contain myofascial retractions (spasticity passive component) and to improve the neuromuscolar control of movement through integration of a partially or totally insufficient function. Hemiparesis patients mainly show synergy alteration of the heel muscles and especially of the peroneus, with the consequent tendency of equinism-supination deviation. Analysis of literature shows a scientific validation especially in the use of dynamic orthoses of legs, the most known being the ankle-foot-orthoses.