The Effect of Restricted Ankle Motion on Stair Ambulation
By Hoffman, Allen H., PhD; Glynn, Rosanna C., MS; Ault, Holly K., PhD; RESNA 29th International Annual Conference 2006,Publication Date: 2006
Study conducted to evaluate the kinematics of stair ascent and descent among five young adult women who used a left ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) to restrict their left ankle motion. Each participant completed three trials under four conditions: (1) normal stair ascent, (2) normal stair descent, (3) stair ascent with the AFO, and (4) stair descent with the AFO. Goniometers with potentiometers were used to record the joint angles of the hips, knees, and ankles, while switches on the soles of the participants’ footwear were used to identify heel strike and toe off for each foot. The research indicated that restricting ankle motion with an AFO on the left leg produced substantial variations in the movement of both legs. While using the AFO, one of the participants substantially slowed her progression on the stairs when compared with the other participants. The authors contend that an improved understanding of the effects of ankle restriction could lead to improved designs for lower limb prostheses. This research was conducted at the Mechanical Engineering Department at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, Massachusetts.
Published by: Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) (Website:http://www.resna.org)
