Year: 2026 | Month: April | Volume: 13 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 660-665
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijrr.20260467
Orthotic Management of Ankle Plantarflexion Contracture Using Static Progressive AFO in a Post-Stroke Patient: A Case Report
Sahil Krishna Saxena1, Anupriya Tripathi2, Gargi Khare3
1,2,3Department of Prosthetics and Orthotics,
Dr. Shakuntala Misra National Rehabilitation University, Lucknow.
Corresponding Author: Anupriya Tripathi
ABSTRACT
Aims: To evaluate, the effectiveness of a developed Static Progressive Ankle Foot Orthosis in improving ankle joint Range of Motion and decrease in muscle tone in a Post Stroke Patient with Ankle Plantarflexion Contracture.
Study design: A single subject case report study design was used to
Place and Duration of Study: DSMNRU, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Study time: 20 Days
Methodology: A single-case study was conducted on a post-stroke patient presenting with ankle plantarflexion contracture. Baseline evaluation included measurement of ankle range of motion (ROM) using a universal goniometer and muscle tone using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) A static progressive AFO was designed using a Hirth joint mechanism with 40 interlocking teeth for precise angular adjustment. A butyl rubber washer was incorporated to improve friction, stability, and reduce mechanical wear. Ankle range of motion (ROM) was measured using a universal goniometer before and after a 3-week intervention period. The orthosis was applied with gradual adjustments to provide low-load prolonged stretch.
Results: The results indicate that the use of a static progressive AFO contributed to improvement in ankle joint range of motion, although spasticity levels remained unchanged during the study period.
Conclusion: The developed static progressive AFO is an effective intervention for managing ankle joint contractures in post-stroke individuals in improving joint mobility.
Keywords: Stroke, Ankle Contracture, Static Progressive Orthosis, Ankle-Foot Orthosis (AFO), Range of Motion, Rehabilitation
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