Assessing the Effectiveness of Carbon Fiber and Polypropylene Solid-Ankle AFOs in Stroke Patient Gait Recovery
Date of Award
Spring 5-6-2026
Document Type
Non Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics
Department
Kinesiology
First Advisor
Amy Funke
Abstract
The most significant challenge in stroke recovery is the restoration of basic ambulation. Ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) play a critical role in assisting rehabilitation efforts for stroke patients. However, the material used to fabricate the AFOs may alter their effectiveness. The following research explored the use of two common materials in AFO fabrication, carbon fiber and 3/16" polypropylene, and the role these materials had on gait rehabilitation in stroke patients. This study assessed whether carbon fiber or 3/16" polypropylene solid ankle AFOs enhanced a patient's gait with greater accuracy and in less time. This study involved participants who had experienced a stroke within the last year (365 days) and were able to walk unassisted for three minutes. These patients underwent a standard evaluation and completed a series of tests, including a 3-minute walk test and total gait analysis. Data for the study was collected through quantitative measures (data from a 3-minute walk test and gait analysis) and qualitative feedback from participant questionnaires. The results of this study have important implications for the field of orthotics as it would enable orthotists to enhance patient treatment, ultimately allowing the patient to experience independence once again. This research bridged a gap in the current available research to the scientific community as it focused on the material differences in AFOs rather than their design. This study has altered the way orthotists treat stroke patients and further extended the scientific communities understanding of rehabilitation strategies for stroke survivors.