The Effect of Lower Limb Orthosis Using the Freudenstein’s Method on Dynamic Balance in Patients with Chronic Stroke : A Pilot Study

This study aimed to investigate the effects of different types of assistive devices using the Freudenstein's method on dynamic balances in stroke patients. All participants were measured immediate effects by measuring 10 m walk test, timed up-and-go test, and Berg balance scale under three conditions in three stroke patients. 3 conditions: (1) Shoe (2) UD-flex (3) NOFM (new orthosis using Freudenstein's metho). In the case of new Orthosis is a four-bar linkage. The Orthosis consists of one active connection and three passive connections, and is structured to form a chain by freely rotating around a central point fixed at each end. The length of each connection was calculated using the Freudenstein's method. In addition, dorsiflexion of the ankle is created through the action of four chain devices. The results of the study showed that the 10 m walk test, timed up-and-go test, and Berg balance scale of all three stroke patients were measured, and the new orthosis wearing condition showed improvements in all dynamic balance ability compared to the general brace wearing condition. Therefore, to prevent falls in stroke patients, new orthosis can be an alternative in terms of portability and cost-effectiveness, and it is believed that these results can be used as reference data when using orthosis for gait therapy in stroke patients in the future.