Effects of Two Different Types of Ankle Foot Orthoses on Gait Outcomes in Patients With Subacute Stroke.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study will be to identify whether patients in the subacute stage of stroke, who demonstrate foot drop, will have better gait outcomes when using a Double Adjustable AFO, or a Posterior Leaf Spring AFO. A secondary purpose will be to determine whether one week of practice significantly changes gait outcomes with either of the AFO conditions. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Twenty participants over the age of 18, of any gender and ethnicity, diagnosed with first time unilateral stroke, 4 - 20 weeks post-stroke onset, resulting in hemiparesis with foot drop will be recruited for this study. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. Not able to receive a double adjustable AFO through their insurance 2. Unable to follow two steps commands 3. Unable to ambulate 20 feet with or without assistive device with a minimum level of assistance of contact guard assistance. 4. Cerebellar Stroke 5. Inability to ambulate prior to stroke 6. receiving chemotherapy at the time of study OUTCOME MEASURES: 1. Six Minute walk test 2. Gait Symmetry and Gait velocity measured with GAITRite for self paced velocity walk and fast paced velocity walk. DATA COLLECTION: Data will be collected three times over two weeks period. First Visit: Demographics, Fugl-Meyer Lower Extremity Assessment of sensorimotor function, Mini Mental State Examination 6MWT and GAITRite measurements using Both types of AFO in a random order. Afterwards participant will be given one type of AFO (randomly selected) to practice walking for a week. Second Visit: 6MWT and GAITRite measurements using the type of AFO they were practicing with. Then the other type of AFO will be given to practice walking for a week. Third Visit: 6MWT and GAITRite measurements using the second type of AFO that they were practicing with the week prior. Patient will be asked which type of AFO they prefer to use.