The effect of dynamic ankle-foot orthoses on anthropometrics and biomechanics as an intervention over time in military personnel with lower extremity neuropothy

Abstract

Musculoskeletal trauma to the extremities accounts for over 50% of injuries sustained in recent military conflicts and may result in partial to full paralysis of the foot and ankle. A dynamic ankle-foot orthotic (DAFO) has been successful in returning service members to military duty. Six service members (29.3±7.2 years) with drop foot were fitted with a DAFO; following six months of use, ankle and knee strength and walking gait were compared to a group of healthy matched controls. Ankle and knee joint power and vertical ground reaction force while walking without the DAFO increased in concert with knee and ankle muscular strength. Ankle propulsive power in injured service members at study onset was significantly lower than control subjects, but improved to a level not significantly different than controls. Improvements were likely attributable to increased knee extension strength allowing greater knee flexion and improved confidence during loading with increased walking velocity.