RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Passive and hybrid passive ankle foot orthoses (AFOs) are often prescribed in post stroke drop foot; however, the effects of these AFOs on balance related parameters in these patients seem unclear. Accordingly, the aim of current study was to evaluate the role of the newly designed hybrid passive and Posterior Leaf Spring (PLS) AFOs on balance related parameters including: self-reported balance confidence (ABC), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) in post stroke drop foot patients. METHODS: Fifteen post stroke drop foot patients were recruited in current study. Then, ABC, TUG and BBS were assessed with newly designed AFO and PLS AFO. RESULTS: The results of this study were shown a significant improvement in ABC, TUG and BBS scores with the newly designed AFO than PLS AFO (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study suggested that the newly designed AFO was improved the balance related parameters than PLS AFO.