The influence of passive-dynamic ankle-foot orthosis bending axis location on gait performance in individuals with lower-limb impairments

摘要

Background: Passive-dynamic ankle-foot orthoses are commonly prescribed to augment impaired ankle muscle function, however their design and prescription are largely qualitative. One design includes a footplate and cuff, and flexible strut connecting the two. During gait, deflection occurs along the strut, with the greatest deflection at a central bending axis. The vertical location of the axis can affect lower extremity biomechanics. The goal of this study was to investigate the influence of bending axis location on gait performance.