Relationship between anterior–posterior ground reaction force patterns and immediate effect of different types of ankle–foot orthoses in individuals with post-stroke hemiparesis: a cross-sectional study

AFO effectiveness depends on baseline A-P GRF patterns, with the greatest benefits observed in participants exhibiting poor propulsive forces and excessive braking, through different biomechanical mechanisms. These findings highlight the importance of considering individual A-P GRF patterns when prescribing orthotic interventions in post-stroke rehabilitation.