A145: Effect of Wearing an Orthopedic Bandage on Plantar Pressure DuringWalking in Stroke Patients

Objective: The rehabilitation of walking function after stroke is very important. Orthopaedic bandages are used because they offer additional support and stability and are widely used in the rehabilitation of patients with cerebral apoplexy. This study, through research on orthopedic bandage use in patients with hemiplegia after stroke, examined the speed walking foot pressure characteristics, and the influence of the design to provide the basis for function of patients with hemiplegia rehabilitation and guidance. Methods: A total of 12 patients with chronic hemiplegia after stroke who could walk independently were selected as study subjects. The participants were asked to stand on the extension board with bare feet or barefoot with the orthopedic bandage, and to walk back and forward on an extension board and pressure plate according to their own walking habits. SPSS 13.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Paired t-tests were used to test the differences in plantar pressure distribution, peak plantar pressure, and foot axis angle between the healthy and affected sides before and after wearing the bandage. Research Results: ① When walking barefoot and wearing orthopedic braces, the pressure distribution on the lateral side of the affected metatarsal bone was 21.52±2.88% and 19.9±2.85%, respectively. After wearing the orthopedic brace, the pressure distribution on the lateral side of the metatarsal bone was significantly lower than when walking barefoot (P < 0.05). The midfoot pressure distribution was 18.89±4.75% and 24.97±4.75%, respectively. After wearing the orthopedic brace, the midfoot pressure distribution was significantly higher than when walking barefoot (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the pressure distribution of the healthy side (P > 0.05). ② Peak plantar pressure: There was no significant difference in the peak plantar pressure between the affected side and the healthy side during the barefoot walking and bandage walking support period (P > 0.05). ③ Foot axis angle: There was no significant difference in foot axis angle between the affected side and the healthy side (P > 0.05), and there was no significant difference in foot offset angle ratio (affected foot offset angle/healthy foot offset angle) between the stroke patients walking without or wearing orthopedic bandages (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The use of bandages helps to improve the plantar stress during walking in stroke patients. In the future, research could be expanded to continue studying the effect of orthopedic bandage winding on plantar pressure distribution and walking function in stroke patients.