RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT06692686

AFO Prescription to Optimize Post-Stroke Function

The Development of Patient-Centered Clinical AFO Prescription Guidelines to Optimize Post-Stroke Function and Quality of Life

Sponsor

University of Texas at Austin

Enrollment

120 participants

Start Date

Jul 8, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO)Stroke Patients

Summary

The overall goal of this study is to attain the highest possible health-related quality of life for individuals with lower-limb impairment through a clinical trial examining three different modern carbon fiber ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) treatment options targeting the rehabilitation of individuals post-stroke. To achieve this goal, the investigators will: 1. Identify the factors that significantly contribute to an individual's highest potential quality of life when considering each of the three available AFO design options, and 2. Develop prediction models of clinical performance using biomechanical function linked to the three AFO designs. Participants will be asked to: * Wear each of the three modern AFO designs for one month, after receiving therapy training and * Complete questionnaires and performance tests with each AFO. In addition, the subset of individuals participating in goal 2) will also be asked to: * Perform biomechanical analyses using high-speed cameras and force plates during different walking and balance tests with each AFO design.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Inclusion Criteria6

be a minimum of three months post-stroke
be greater than 18 years of age
have been prescribed either a semi-rigid or a custom-made articulating AFO
wear their prescribed AFO for all primary mobility activity outside the house
be able to walk at least 20 meters without manual assistance
walk at least 10 meters per minute (12% of normal velocity) during a 6-meter self-selected velocity walking test.

Exclusion Criteria3

having a condition that could significantly limit ambulation, including severe osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, congestive heart failure, or pre-existing neurological disorder other than post-stroke
having cognitive deficits that preclude their ability to provide consent for participation
having an ankle plantar flexion contracture equal to or greater than 15 degrees plantar flexion with full knee extension

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Interventions

DEVICEPre-fabricated (PF) ankle-foot orthosis (AFO)

These pre-manufactured orthoses are customized to fit each patient. These devices can help to distribute weight evenly along the foot, but do not offer much opportunity for adjustment to a patient's specific needs. These AFOs achieve ankle motion through material deflection and lack a single point of articulation.

DEVICECarbon-strut (CS) ankle-foot orthosis (AFO)

These AFO designs are built from a custom mold of the patient's affected limb for a more individualized fit. It includes a solid ankle design and achieves ankle motion through material deflection and lacks a single point of articulation.

DEVICEMultifunctional articulating (MA) ankle-foot orthosis (AFO)

These AFO designs are also built from a custom mold of the patient's affected limb, but these orthoses have a true articulation at the ankle to provide controlled ankle movement in a range determined appropriate by the orthotist through gait analysis.