Prototyping and evaluation of adaptability of a soft plastic T-strap for ankle-foot orthosis.
Ayumu Hoshi, Minoru Murayama
PMID 40322583WHAT IT FOUND
In able-bodied legs, a heat-molded soft plastic T-strap lowered pressure on the outer ankle during loading response, mid-stance, and terminal stance compared with a new leather T-strap.
It was not tested in stroke patients.
Key findings
01The pressure applied to the lateral malleolus was significantly reduced with the plastic T-strap compared with the leather T-strap in loading response, mid-stance, and terminal stance.
02No significant difference was observed between the plastic T-strap and the leather T-strap during initial contact, pre-swing, initial swing, mid-swing, or terminal swing.
03The evaluation included only 8 legs of able-bodied men and women.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTs
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What it does not show
Only 8 legs of able-bodied adults were tested, not patients with stroke or ankle inversion. The authors state the next step is to verify the device in actual stroke patients. Newly made leather T-straps were used, so the comparison may not reflect real-world leather straps that adapt to the foot over time. Pressure sensors may drift by less than 3% per log hour, which the authors note may have affected measurements. In patients with high muscle tone, the plastic ankle joint may deflect, reducing its corrective effect. Further studies are needed to compare this device with metal strut AFOs.
Declared interests
This study received no funding, and the authors declared no conflicts of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not read this as proof that the plastic T-strap helps stroke patients walk better or reduces ankle inversion. The study measured pressure on the outer ankle in able-bodied legs, and the authors say testing in actual stroke patients is still needed.