Evaluating the feasibility and usefulness of electric knee-ankle-foot orthosis in stroke rehabilitation: Association with pretest Berg balance scale scores

Stroke often leads to hemiplegia, significantly impairing walking ability. Traditional rehabilitation methods commonly use mechanical knee-ankle-foot orthoses (KAFOs) to stabilize gait, but these can restrict knee flexion and reduce walking efficiency. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of an Electric KAFO (E-KAFO) for stroke survivors with hemiplegia, using the Berg Balance Scale to determine its impact on walking function. Fourteen individuals with hemiplegia (mean age: 55.1 ± 13.7 years; gender: 12 males, 2 females; height: 168.2 ± 7.7 cm; weight: 67.1 ± 11.5 kg; duration after injury: 46.4 ± 44.1 months) were categorized into high-balance groups and low-balance groups based on their Berg Balance Scale scores. Participants underwent a multisession intervention program using the E-KAFO. Walking ability was assessed using the 5-m walk test, 3-minute walk test, and 6-minute walk test before and after the intervention with the E-KAFO. The results showed that the low-balance groups demonstrated significant improvements in all walking tests postintervention, whereas the high-balance groups did not show significant changes. These findings indicate that E-KAFO training may be more beneficial for patients with lower initial balance abilities. The study highlights the importance of assessing balance ability when considering the use of E-KAFOs in stroke rehabilitation, suggesting that individuals with poorer balance may derive the most benefit from such interventions.