Interacting effects of AFO stiffness, neutral angle and footplate stiffness on gait in case of plantarflexor weakness: A predictive simulation study

To maximize effects of dorsal leaf ankle foot orthoses (AFOs) on gait in people with bilateral plantarflexor weakness, the AFO properties should be matched to the individual. However, how AFO properties interact regarding their effect on gait function is unknown. We studied the interaction of AFO bending stiffness with neutral angle and...

Stiffness-Optimized Ankle-Foot Orthoses Improve Walking Energy Cost Compared to Conventional Orthoses in Neuromuscular Disorders: A Prospective Uncontrolled Intervention Study

In persons with calf muscle weakness, walking energy cost is commonly increased due to persistent knee flexion and a diminished push-off. Provided ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) usually lower walking energy cost. To maximize the reduction in energy cost, AFO bending stiffness should be individually optimized, but this is not common practice....