Stiffness modification of two ankle‐foot orthosis types to optimize gait in individuals with non‐spastic calf muscle weakness – a proof‐of‐concept study

Abstract

Modifying AFO stiffness in individuals with non-spastic calf muscle weakness resulted in substantial differences in ankle biomechanics and walking energy cost with no effect on speed. Our results provide proof-of-concept that individually optimizing AFO stiffness can clinically beneficially improve gait performance.