TPress
1.
Hausmann, J.; Sweeney-Reed, C. M.; Sobieray, U.; Matzke, M.; Heinze, H. -J.; Voges, J.; Buentjen, L.
In: J. NeuroEng. Rehabil., Bd. 12, Nr. 1, 2015, ISSN: 1743-0003.
Abstract | Links | Schlagwörter: ActiGait, adult, article, case report, cerebrovascular accident, clinical evaluation, fatigue, feasibility study, female, functional electrical stimulation, gait, human, male, middle aged, multiple sclerosis, pain, peroneus nerve, peroneus nerve paralysis, priority journal, quality of life, rehabilitation care, therapy effect, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator, walking speed
@article{Hausmann2015,
title = {Functional electrical stimulation through direct 4-channel nerve stimulation to improve gait in multiple sclerosis: a feasibility study},
author = {J. Hausmann and C. M. Sweeney-Reed and U. Sobieray and M. Matzke and H. -J. Heinze and J. Voges and L. Buentjen},
url = {https://www.embase.com/search/results?subaction=viewrecord&id=L606904897&from=export},
doi = {10.1186/s12984-015-0096-3},
issn = {1743-0003},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-01-01},
journal = {J. NeuroEng. Rehabil.},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
address = {J. Hausmann, Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Leipziger Str. 44, Magdeburg, Germany},
abstract = {Background: Gait dysfunction due to lower limb central paralysis, frequently involving drop foot, is a common cause of disability in multiple sclerosis and has been treated with transcutaneous functional electrical stimulation (FES). We provide here the first report of 4-channel semi-implantable FES of the peroneal nerve which has been successfully used for rehabilitation in patients following stroke. Methods: FES was implemented via a 4-channel semi-implantable closed-loop system (ActiGait®, ©Ottobock), generating dorsiflexion in drop foot. Walking distance, gait symmetry (temporospatial gait analyses, Vicon Motion Systems®), gait velocity (10 m walking test) and quality of life (SF-36 questionnaire) were measured to evaluate the therapeutic benefit of this system in two patients with progressive MS. Results: Walking distance increased from 517 to 1884 m in Patient 1 and from 52 to 506 m in Patient 2. Gait velocity did not change significantly in Patient 1 and increased from 0.6 to 0.8 m/s in Patient 2. Maximum deviations of center of mass from the midline to each side changed significantly after 3 months of stimulation compared to baseline, decreasing from 15 to 12 mm in Patient 1 and from 47 to 37 mm in Patient 2. Both patients experienced reduced pain and fatigue and benefits to quality of life. Adverse events did not occur during the observation period. Conclusion: We conclude that implantable 4-channel FES systems are not only feasible but present a promising new alternative for treating central drop foot in MS patients.},
keywords = {ActiGait, adult, article, case report, cerebrovascular accident, clinical evaluation, fatigue, feasibility study, female, functional electrical stimulation, gait, human, male, middle aged, multiple sclerosis, pain, peroneus nerve, peroneus nerve paralysis, priority journal, quality of life, rehabilitation care, therapy effect, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator, walking speed},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Background: Gait dysfunction due to lower limb central paralysis, frequently involving drop foot, is a common cause of disability in multiple sclerosis and has been treated with transcutaneous functional electrical stimulation (FES). We provide here the first report of 4-channel semi-implantable FES of the peroneal nerve which has been successfully used for rehabilitation in patients following stroke. Methods: FES was implemented via a 4-channel semi-implantable closed-loop system (ActiGait®, ©Ottobock), generating dorsiflexion in drop foot. Walking distance, gait symmetry (temporospatial gait analyses, Vicon Motion Systems®), gait velocity (10 m walking test) and quality of life (SF-36 questionnaire) were measured to evaluate the therapeutic benefit of this system in two patients with progressive MS. Results: Walking distance increased from 517 to 1884 m in Patient 1 and from 52 to 506 m in Patient 2. Gait velocity did not change significantly in Patient 1 and increased from 0.6 to 0.8 m/s in Patient 2. Maximum deviations of center of mass from the midline to each side changed significantly after 3 months of stimulation compared to baseline, decreasing from 15 to 12 mm in Patient 1 and from 47 to 37 mm in Patient 2. Both patients experienced reduced pain and fatigue and benefits to quality of life. Adverse events did not occur during the observation period. Conclusion: We conclude that implantable 4-channel FES systems are not only feasible but present a promising new alternative for treating central drop foot in MS patients.
2.
Wit, D. C. M.; Buurke, J. H.; Nijlant, J. M. M.; IJzerman, M. J.; Hermens, H. J.
In: Clin. Rehabil., Bd. 18, Nr. 5, S. 550–557, 2004, ISSN: 0269-2155.
Abstract | Links | Schlagwörter: adult, aged, article, Camp, cerebrovascular accident, chronic disease, climbing, clinical article, clinical trial, controlled clinical trial, controlled study, crossover procedure, Distrac, Dynafo, female, gait disorder, human, male, motivation, motor performance, orthosis, Ottobock, randomized controlled trial, scoring system, self esteem, standing, statistical analysis, task performance, walking speed
@article{Wit2004,
title = {The effect of an ankle-foot orthosis on walking ability in chronic stroke patients: A randomized controlled trial},
author = {D. C. M. Wit and J. H. Buurke and J. M. M. Nijlant and M. J. IJzerman and H. J. Hermens},
url = {https://www.embase.com/search/results?subaction=viewrecord&id=L39076880&from=export},
doi = {10.1191/0269215504cr770oa},
issn = {0269-2155},
year = {2004},
date = {2004-01-01},
journal = {Clin. Rehabil.},
volume = {18},
number = {5},
pages = {550–557},
address = {D.C.M. de Wit, Roessingh Research and Development, Roessinghbleekweg 33B, 7522 AH Enschede, Netherlands},
abstract = {Objective: Regaining walking ability is a major goal during the rehabilitation of stroke patients. To support this process an ankle-foot orthosis (AFC) is often prescribed. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of an AFO on walking ability in chronic stroke patients. Design: Cross-over design with randomization for the interventions. Methods: Twenty chronic stroke patients, wearing an AFO for at least six months, were included. Walking ability was operationalized as comfortable walking speed, scores on the timed up and go (TUG) test and stairs test. Patients were measured with and without their AFO, the sequence of which was randomized. Additionally, subjective impressions of self-confidence and difficulty of the tasks were scored. Clinically relevant differences based on literature were defined for walking speed (20 cm/s), the TUG test (10 s). Gathered data were statistically analysed using a paired t-test. Results: The mean difference in favour of the AFO in walking speed was 4.8 cm/s (95% CI 0.85-8.7), in the TUG test 3.6 s (95% CI 2.4-4.8) and in the stairs test 8.6 s (95% CI 3.1-14.1). Sixty-five per cent of the patients experienced less difficulty and 70% of the patients felt more self-confident while wearing the AFO. Conclusions: The effect of an AFO on walking ability is statistically significant, but compared with the a priori defined differences it is too small to be clinically relevant. The effect on self-confidence suggests that other factors might play an important role in the motivation to use an AFO. © Arnold 2004.},
keywords = {adult, aged, article, Camp, cerebrovascular accident, chronic disease, climbing, clinical article, clinical trial, controlled clinical trial, controlled study, crossover procedure, Distrac, Dynafo, female, gait disorder, human, male, motivation, motor performance, orthosis, Ottobock, randomized controlled trial, scoring system, self esteem, standing, statistical analysis, task performance, walking speed},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Objective: Regaining walking ability is a major goal during the rehabilitation of stroke patients. To support this process an ankle-foot orthosis (AFC) is often prescribed. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of an AFO on walking ability in chronic stroke patients. Design: Cross-over design with randomization for the interventions. Methods: Twenty chronic stroke patients, wearing an AFO for at least six months, were included. Walking ability was operationalized as comfortable walking speed, scores on the timed up and go (TUG) test and stairs test. Patients were measured with and without their AFO, the sequence of which was randomized. Additionally, subjective impressions of self-confidence and difficulty of the tasks were scored. Clinically relevant differences based on literature were defined for walking speed (20 cm/s), the TUG test (10 s). Gathered data were statistically analysed using a paired t-test. Results: The mean difference in favour of the AFO in walking speed was 4.8 cm/s (95% CI 0.85-8.7), in the TUG test 3.6 s (95% CI 2.4-4.8) and in the stairs test 8.6 s (95% CI 3.1-14.1). Sixty-five per cent of the patients experienced less difficulty and 70% of the patients felt more self-confident while wearing the AFO. Conclusions: The effect of an AFO on walking ability is statistically significant, but compared with the a priori defined differences it is too small to be clinically relevant. The effect on self-confidence suggests that other factors might play an important role in the motivation to use an AFO. © Arnold 2004.
2015
Hausmann, J.; Sweeney-Reed, C. M.; Sobieray, U.; Matzke, M.; Heinze, H. -J.; Voges, J.; Buentjen, L.
In: J. NeuroEng. Rehabil., Bd. 12, Nr. 1, 2015, ISSN: 1743-0003.
Abstract | Links | Schlagwörter: ActiGait, adult, article, case report, cerebrovascular accident, clinical evaluation, fatigue, feasibility study, female, functional electrical stimulation, gait, human, male, middle aged, multiple sclerosis, pain, peroneus nerve, peroneus nerve paralysis, priority journal, quality of life, rehabilitation care, therapy effect, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator, walking speed
@article{Hausmann2015,
title = {Functional electrical stimulation through direct 4-channel nerve stimulation to improve gait in multiple sclerosis: a feasibility study},
author = {J. Hausmann and C. M. Sweeney-Reed and U. Sobieray and M. Matzke and H. -J. Heinze and J. Voges and L. Buentjen},
url = {https://www.embase.com/search/results?subaction=viewrecord&id=L606904897&from=export},
doi = {10.1186/s12984-015-0096-3},
issn = {1743-0003},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-01-01},
journal = {J. NeuroEng. Rehabil.},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
address = {J. Hausmann, Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Leipziger Str. 44, Magdeburg, Germany},
abstract = {Background: Gait dysfunction due to lower limb central paralysis, frequently involving drop foot, is a common cause of disability in multiple sclerosis and has been treated with transcutaneous functional electrical stimulation (FES). We provide here the first report of 4-channel semi-implantable FES of the peroneal nerve which has been successfully used for rehabilitation in patients following stroke. Methods: FES was implemented via a 4-channel semi-implantable closed-loop system (ActiGait®, ©Ottobock), generating dorsiflexion in drop foot. Walking distance, gait symmetry (temporospatial gait analyses, Vicon Motion Systems®), gait velocity (10 m walking test) and quality of life (SF-36 questionnaire) were measured to evaluate the therapeutic benefit of this system in two patients with progressive MS. Results: Walking distance increased from 517 to 1884 m in Patient 1 and from 52 to 506 m in Patient 2. Gait velocity did not change significantly in Patient 1 and increased from 0.6 to 0.8 m/s in Patient 2. Maximum deviations of center of mass from the midline to each side changed significantly after 3 months of stimulation compared to baseline, decreasing from 15 to 12 mm in Patient 1 and from 47 to 37 mm in Patient 2. Both patients experienced reduced pain and fatigue and benefits to quality of life. Adverse events did not occur during the observation period. Conclusion: We conclude that implantable 4-channel FES systems are not only feasible but present a promising new alternative for treating central drop foot in MS patients.},
keywords = {ActiGait, adult, article, case report, cerebrovascular accident, clinical evaluation, fatigue, feasibility study, female, functional electrical stimulation, gait, human, male, middle aged, multiple sclerosis, pain, peroneus nerve, peroneus nerve paralysis, priority journal, quality of life, rehabilitation care, therapy effect, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator, walking speed},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Background: Gait dysfunction due to lower limb central paralysis, frequently involving drop foot, is a common cause of disability in multiple sclerosis and has been treated with transcutaneous functional electrical stimulation (FES). We provide here the first report of 4-channel semi-implantable FES of the peroneal nerve which has been successfully used for rehabilitation in patients following stroke. Methods: FES was implemented via a 4-channel semi-implantable closed-loop system (ActiGait®, ©Ottobock), generating dorsiflexion in drop foot. Walking distance, gait symmetry (temporospatial gait analyses, Vicon Motion Systems®), gait velocity (10 m walking test) and quality of life (SF-36 questionnaire) were measured to evaluate the therapeutic benefit of this system in two patients with progressive MS. Results: Walking distance increased from 517 to 1884 m in Patient 1 and from 52 to 506 m in Patient 2. Gait velocity did not change significantly in Patient 1 and increased from 0.6 to 0.8 m/s in Patient 2. Maximum deviations of center of mass from the midline to each side changed significantly after 3 months of stimulation compared to baseline, decreasing from 15 to 12 mm in Patient 1 and from 47 to 37 mm in Patient 2. Both patients experienced reduced pain and fatigue and benefits to quality of life. Adverse events did not occur during the observation period. Conclusion: We conclude that implantable 4-channel FES systems are not only feasible but present a promising new alternative for treating central drop foot in MS patients.
2004
Wit, D. C. M.; Buurke, J. H.; Nijlant, J. M. M.; IJzerman, M. J.; Hermens, H. J.
In: Clin. Rehabil., Bd. 18, Nr. 5, S. 550–557, 2004, ISSN: 0269-2155.
Abstract | Links | Schlagwörter: adult, aged, article, Camp, cerebrovascular accident, chronic disease, climbing, clinical article, clinical trial, controlled clinical trial, controlled study, crossover procedure, Distrac, Dynafo, female, gait disorder, human, male, motivation, motor performance, orthosis, Ottobock, randomized controlled trial, scoring system, self esteem, standing, statistical analysis, task performance, walking speed
@article{Wit2004,
title = {The effect of an ankle-foot orthosis on walking ability in chronic stroke patients: A randomized controlled trial},
author = {D. C. M. Wit and J. H. Buurke and J. M. M. Nijlant and M. J. IJzerman and H. J. Hermens},
url = {https://www.embase.com/search/results?subaction=viewrecord&id=L39076880&from=export},
doi = {10.1191/0269215504cr770oa},
issn = {0269-2155},
year = {2004},
date = {2004-01-01},
journal = {Clin. Rehabil.},
volume = {18},
number = {5},
pages = {550–557},
address = {D.C.M. de Wit, Roessingh Research and Development, Roessinghbleekweg 33B, 7522 AH Enschede, Netherlands},
abstract = {Objective: Regaining walking ability is a major goal during the rehabilitation of stroke patients. To support this process an ankle-foot orthosis (AFC) is often prescribed. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of an AFO on walking ability in chronic stroke patients. Design: Cross-over design with randomization for the interventions. Methods: Twenty chronic stroke patients, wearing an AFO for at least six months, were included. Walking ability was operationalized as comfortable walking speed, scores on the timed up and go (TUG) test and stairs test. Patients were measured with and without their AFO, the sequence of which was randomized. Additionally, subjective impressions of self-confidence and difficulty of the tasks were scored. Clinically relevant differences based on literature were defined for walking speed (20 cm/s), the TUG test (10 s). Gathered data were statistically analysed using a paired t-test. Results: The mean difference in favour of the AFO in walking speed was 4.8 cm/s (95% CI 0.85-8.7), in the TUG test 3.6 s (95% CI 2.4-4.8) and in the stairs test 8.6 s (95% CI 3.1-14.1). Sixty-five per cent of the patients experienced less difficulty and 70% of the patients felt more self-confident while wearing the AFO. Conclusions: The effect of an AFO on walking ability is statistically significant, but compared with the a priori defined differences it is too small to be clinically relevant. The effect on self-confidence suggests that other factors might play an important role in the motivation to use an AFO. © Arnold 2004.},
keywords = {adult, aged, article, Camp, cerebrovascular accident, chronic disease, climbing, clinical article, clinical trial, controlled clinical trial, controlled study, crossover procedure, Distrac, Dynafo, female, gait disorder, human, male, motivation, motor performance, orthosis, Ottobock, randomized controlled trial, scoring system, self esteem, standing, statistical analysis, task performance, walking speed},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Objective: Regaining walking ability is a major goal during the rehabilitation of stroke patients. To support this process an ankle-foot orthosis (AFC) is often prescribed. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of an AFO on walking ability in chronic stroke patients. Design: Cross-over design with randomization for the interventions. Methods: Twenty chronic stroke patients, wearing an AFO for at least six months, were included. Walking ability was operationalized as comfortable walking speed, scores on the timed up and go (TUG) test and stairs test. Patients were measured with and without their AFO, the sequence of which was randomized. Additionally, subjective impressions of self-confidence and difficulty of the tasks were scored. Clinically relevant differences based on literature were defined for walking speed (20 cm/s), the TUG test (10 s). Gathered data were statistically analysed using a paired t-test. Results: The mean difference in favour of the AFO in walking speed was 4.8 cm/s (95% CI 0.85-8.7), in the TUG test 3.6 s (95% CI 2.4-4.8) and in the stairs test 8.6 s (95% CI 3.1-14.1). Sixty-five per cent of the patients experienced less difficulty and 70% of the patients felt more self-confident while wearing the AFO. Conclusions: The effect of an AFO on walking ability is statistically significant, but compared with the a priori defined differences it is too small to be clinically relevant. The effect on self-confidence suggests that other factors might play an important role in the motivation to use an AFO. © Arnold 2004.
2015
Hausmann, J.; Sweeney-Reed, C. M.; Sobieray, U.; Matzke, M.; Heinze, H. -J.; Voges, J.; Buentjen, L.
In: J. NeuroEng. Rehabil., Bd. 12, Nr. 1, 2015, ISSN: 1743-0003.
@article{Hausmann2015,
title = {Functional electrical stimulation through direct 4-channel nerve stimulation to improve gait in multiple sclerosis: a feasibility study},
author = {J. Hausmann and C. M. Sweeney-Reed and U. Sobieray and M. Matzke and H. -J. Heinze and J. Voges and L. Buentjen},
url = {https://www.embase.com/search/results?subaction=viewrecord&id=L606904897&from=export},
doi = {10.1186/s12984-015-0096-3},
issn = {1743-0003},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-01-01},
journal = {J. NeuroEng. Rehabil.},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
address = {J. Hausmann, Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Leipziger Str. 44, Magdeburg, Germany},
abstract = {Background: Gait dysfunction due to lower limb central paralysis, frequently involving drop foot, is a common cause of disability in multiple sclerosis and has been treated with transcutaneous functional electrical stimulation (FES). We provide here the first report of 4-channel semi-implantable FES of the peroneal nerve which has been successfully used for rehabilitation in patients following stroke. Methods: FES was implemented via a 4-channel semi-implantable closed-loop system (ActiGait®, ©Ottobock), generating dorsiflexion in drop foot. Walking distance, gait symmetry (temporospatial gait analyses, Vicon Motion Systems®), gait velocity (10 m walking test) and quality of life (SF-36 questionnaire) were measured to evaluate the therapeutic benefit of this system in two patients with progressive MS. Results: Walking distance increased from 517 to 1884 m in Patient 1 and from 52 to 506 m in Patient 2. Gait velocity did not change significantly in Patient 1 and increased from 0.6 to 0.8 m/s in Patient 2. Maximum deviations of center of mass from the midline to each side changed significantly after 3 months of stimulation compared to baseline, decreasing from 15 to 12 mm in Patient 1 and from 47 to 37 mm in Patient 2. Both patients experienced reduced pain and fatigue and benefits to quality of life. Adverse events did not occur during the observation period. Conclusion: We conclude that implantable 4-channel FES systems are not only feasible but present a promising new alternative for treating central drop foot in MS patients.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Background: Gait dysfunction due to lower limb central paralysis, frequently involving drop foot, is a common cause of disability in multiple sclerosis and has been treated with transcutaneous functional electrical stimulation (FES). We provide here the first report of 4-channel semi-implantable FES of the peroneal nerve which has been successfully used for rehabilitation in patients following stroke. Methods: FES was implemented via a 4-channel semi-implantable closed-loop system (ActiGait®, ©Ottobock), generating dorsiflexion in drop foot. Walking distance, gait symmetry (temporospatial gait analyses, Vicon Motion Systems®), gait velocity (10 m walking test) and quality of life (SF-36 questionnaire) were measured to evaluate the therapeutic benefit of this system in two patients with progressive MS. Results: Walking distance increased from 517 to 1884 m in Patient 1 and from 52 to 506 m in Patient 2. Gait velocity did not change significantly in Patient 1 and increased from 0.6 to 0.8 m/s in Patient 2. Maximum deviations of center of mass from the midline to each side changed significantly after 3 months of stimulation compared to baseline, decreasing from 15 to 12 mm in Patient 1 and from 47 to 37 mm in Patient 2. Both patients experienced reduced pain and fatigue and benefits to quality of life. Adverse events did not occur during the observation period. Conclusion: We conclude that implantable 4-channel FES systems are not only feasible but present a promising new alternative for treating central drop foot in MS patients.
2004
Wit, D. C. M.; Buurke, J. H.; Nijlant, J. M. M.; IJzerman, M. J.; Hermens, H. J.
In: Clin. Rehabil., Bd. 18, Nr. 5, S. 550–557, 2004, ISSN: 0269-2155.
@article{Wit2004,
title = {The effect of an ankle-foot orthosis on walking ability in chronic stroke patients: A randomized controlled trial},
author = {D. C. M. Wit and J. H. Buurke and J. M. M. Nijlant and M. J. IJzerman and H. J. Hermens},
url = {https://www.embase.com/search/results?subaction=viewrecord&id=L39076880&from=export},
doi = {10.1191/0269215504cr770oa},
issn = {0269-2155},
year = {2004},
date = {2004-01-01},
journal = {Clin. Rehabil.},
volume = {18},
number = {5},
pages = {550–557},
address = {D.C.M. de Wit, Roessingh Research and Development, Roessinghbleekweg 33B, 7522 AH Enschede, Netherlands},
abstract = {Objective: Regaining walking ability is a major goal during the rehabilitation of stroke patients. To support this process an ankle-foot orthosis (AFC) is often prescribed. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of an AFO on walking ability in chronic stroke patients. Design: Cross-over design with randomization for the interventions. Methods: Twenty chronic stroke patients, wearing an AFO for at least six months, were included. Walking ability was operationalized as comfortable walking speed, scores on the timed up and go (TUG) test and stairs test. Patients were measured with and without their AFO, the sequence of which was randomized. Additionally, subjective impressions of self-confidence and difficulty of the tasks were scored. Clinically relevant differences based on literature were defined for walking speed (20 cm/s), the TUG test (10 s). Gathered data were statistically analysed using a paired t-test. Results: The mean difference in favour of the AFO in walking speed was 4.8 cm/s (95% CI 0.85-8.7), in the TUG test 3.6 s (95% CI 2.4-4.8) and in the stairs test 8.6 s (95% CI 3.1-14.1). Sixty-five per cent of the patients experienced less difficulty and 70% of the patients felt more self-confident while wearing the AFO. Conclusions: The effect of an AFO on walking ability is statistically significant, but compared with the a priori defined differences it is too small to be clinically relevant. The effect on self-confidence suggests that other factors might play an important role in the motivation to use an AFO. © Arnold 2004.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Objective: Regaining walking ability is a major goal during the rehabilitation of stroke patients. To support this process an ankle-foot orthosis (AFC) is often prescribed. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of an AFO on walking ability in chronic stroke patients. Design: Cross-over design with randomization for the interventions. Methods: Twenty chronic stroke patients, wearing an AFO for at least six months, were included. Walking ability was operationalized as comfortable walking speed, scores on the timed up and go (TUG) test and stairs test. Patients were measured with and without their AFO, the sequence of which was randomized. Additionally, subjective impressions of self-confidence and difficulty of the tasks were scored. Clinically relevant differences based on literature were defined for walking speed (20 cm/s), the TUG test (10 s). Gathered data were statistically analysed using a paired t-test. Results: The mean difference in favour of the AFO in walking speed was 4.8 cm/s (95% CI 0.85-8.7), in the TUG test 3.6 s (95% CI 2.4-4.8) and in the stairs test 8.6 s (95% CI 3.1-14.1). Sixty-five per cent of the patients experienced less difficulty and 70% of the patients felt more self-confident while wearing the AFO. Conclusions: The effect of an AFO on walking ability is statistically significant, but compared with the a priori defined differences it is too small to be clinically relevant. The effect on self-confidence suggests that other factors might play an important role in the motivation to use an AFO. © Arnold 2004.