Comparison between prefabricated ankle–foot orthoses, Dyna Ankle and UD Flex, in patients with hemiplegia

Abstract

Objective To compare the kinematic effects of two widely-used prefabricated ankle–foot orthoses (AFOs), the Dyna Ankle (DA) and UD Flex (UD), on the gait cycle of patients with hemiplegia due to cerebral palsy or acquired brain injury. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study involving 29 patients. Gait analysis results were assessed under three conditions: barefoot, with the DA, and with the UD. Friedman tests and post hoc analysis with Bonferroni correction were performed to assess differences between the three conditions. Results The DA significantly improved ankle dorsiflexion during the mid-swing phase, making it more effective in correcting foot drop compared with the UD (DA: 2.28°, UD: 0.44°). Conversely, the UD was more effective in preventing knee flexion during the loading response (DA: 28.11°, UD: 26.72°). Conclusions The DA improved ankle dorsiflexion during the swing phase significantly more than that with the UD in patients with hemiplegia. Compared with the DA, the UD more effectively prevented increased knee flexion during the loading response. The choice to prescribe these orthoses should consider individual patient characteristics.