Use of orthosis in the early stages after stroke: How does it affect muscle activity?

Intention: To develop knowledge on how emg. activity in musculus tibialis anterior is affected in swing phases during walking when using ankle foot orthosis. Design: Causal experimental. Participants: Nine stroke survivors and five healthy subjects. Methods: Emg. of m.tibialis anterior on the paretic side was measured. Foot-switches were attached to the heels to record the transitions between swing- and stand phases. In addition, the test persons answered a simple questionnaire, registering the test subjects’ experiences during walking. Results and conclusion: Group: Walking with orthosis showed small, but insignificant, reduction in emg. activity in the stroke survivors, as well as for healthy subjects walking with their preferred speed. Increased variability in emg.-responses were present in stroke survivors, especially when walking without orthosis. Individuals: The emg. activity showed large differences between stroke survivors. Emg. activity was significantly reduced in 4 of 9 stroke survivors when walking with orthosis