The use of lower limb orthotic devices to support motor recover during the subacute (7 days to 3 months) stage post stroke is a controversial topic with practices varying greatly both within and across country borders. Current evidence supporting lower limb orthotic use is limited, with varying results. While some report positive effects of orthotic use on functional outcomes, others report contrasting results (Daryabor et al, 2022).
Few orthotists are fully integrated into early stroke rehabilitation yet biomechanical principles and interventions familiar to orthotists can have a significant impact on the principles of stroke rehabilitation. Stroke rehabilitation of gait is mainly based on motor learning and neuroplasticity.
This symposium will explore the role that lower-limb orthotics may play in supporting motor recovery goals following stroke. The symposium will begin with a review of the current state of evidence and theory supporting the use of lower limb orthotic interventions during the motor recovery phase post-stroke together with a discussion of current practices from a UK and Scandinavian perspective. Speakers will then present examples of practical application of the principles discussed and examples of how this has already been shared with the international community.
The symposium will culminate with an example of how information related to orthotic management post stroke can be disseminated to the wider rehabilitation community.
References
Daryabor et al (2022) Effect of ankle-foot orthoses on functional outcome measurements in individuals with stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Disabil & Rehabil. 22:2:6566-6581-
Statement of the objective / learning objectives
Understand the impact of orthotic intervention on Motor learning and stroke rehabilitation. Orthotists should feel empowered to become more actively involved in leading and advising on stroke rehabilitation as an active member of an MDT.
