The factors related to clinicians’ decision regarding the necessity of a custom-made knee-ankle-foot orthosis

• Published in: Journal of Assistive Technology in Physical Therapy Vol. 3; no. 2; pp. 111 - 121
• Main Authors: 大鹿 糠徹, 阿部 浩明, 辻本 直秀, 関 崇志
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese
• Published: Japanese Society of Assistive Technologies in Physical Therapy 29.03.2024; 日本支援工学理学療法学会
• Subjects: knee-ankle-foot orthosis, stroke, acute; 長下肢装具、脳卒中、急性期
• ISSN: 2436-6951
• DOI: 10.57302/jatpt.3.2_111

Objective : Definitive criteria for the need of a custom-made knee-ankle-foot orthosis (KAFO) have not yet been established. To contribute to the decision-making process of clinicians, we investigated the factors related to the decision regarding the necessity of a custom-made KAFO for patients with stroke.Methods : A total of 249 acute stroke patients who required a KAFO for walking were divided into two groups according to whether they were prescribed a custom-made KAFO. A univariate analysis was used to compare the factors between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis was used to detect the factors related to the decision regarding the necessity of a custom-made KAFO.Results : According to the logistic regression analysis, Brunnstrom stage of lower extremity, stability of the affected leg, tactile sensation of the affected leg, and Scale for Contraversive Pushing were determined to be related factors.Conclusion : Prescription of a custom-made KAFO may be determined based on an overall assessment of lower limb function, stability of the affected lower limb, lower limb sensory disturbance, and severity of pushing behavior.