Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the useof a knee brace on 15 subjects with hypertonic hemiparesis. The middlecerebral artery was involved in all subjects. The Ashworth scale was usedto screen for the presence of spasticity in the quadriceps muscles.Measurements of gait speed, step and stride length were taken in the middle 10 metres of a 15 metre paper walkway. A comparison of these gait parameters without and with the use of a knee brace was made. A ques-tionnaire was also used to evaluate how subjects responded to the use of aknee brace.The results showed that the mean speed for all 15 subjects increased withthe use of a brace, (p = 0.05). Step and stride length without and with the use of a brace showed no statistical differences.It was therefore concluded that the FECK brace appears to have an effect on the walking speed of subjects withhypertonic hemiparesis
Highlights
The limited walking ability which follows a stroke restricts patients’ independent mobility about the home and community (Perry et al, 1995)
One of the most common deviations of gait following a stroke is hyperextension of the knee (Mosely et al, 1993). This is defined as extension of the knee beyond the neutral position. This is a common complication of spasticity in hemiplegia due to over-activity of the quadriceps (Whittle, 1991)
The objective of this study was to establish whether the knee brace, supporting the hemiparetic leg, increases the speed of walking, the stride length and step length
Summary
The limited walking ability which follows a stroke restricts patients’ independent mobility about the home and community (Perry et al, 1995). A highly desired goal amongst stroke victims is independent walking (Hale and Eales, 1998). One of the most common deviations of gait following a stroke is hyperextension of the knee (Mosely et al, 1993). This is defined as extension of the knee beyond the neutral position. This is a common complication of spasticity in hemiplegia due to over-activity of the quadriceps (Whittle, 1991). Whittle (1991) points out that the hyperextension moment is initially resisted by tension in the posterior joint capsule, which is gradually stretched allowing a hyperextension deformity ‘Genu Recurvatum’
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