Replacing Canes With an Elasticated Orthosis in Chronic Stroke Patients: The Influence on Gait and Balance. A Series of N-of-1 Trials

Replacing Canes With an Elasticated Orthotic-garment in Chronic Stroke Patients: The Influence on Gait and Balance. A Series of N-of-1 Trials

This study aims to investigate the effect of an elasticated orthotic garment "Thera Togs" on walking ability and balance in currently cane using chronic stroke subjects (minimum 6 months post stroke) using a series of N-of-1 Trials.

Aim: To investigate the effect of replacing canes with an elasticated orthotic-garment on gait and balance in chronic stroke subjects.

Design Experimental, multiple baseline N-of-1 series with an ABC design with randomised period duration.

Participants Four cane using chronic stroke subjects. Interventions Phase A (9-12 weeks) usual cane-walking to establish baseline values; Phase B (9-19 weeks) intervention: orthotic-garment worn throughout the day with maximal cane reduction; Phase C (9-10 weeks) individually determined follow-up: either no walking-aid, orthotic-garment or cane.

Weekly measurement of Outcome Measures for gait and balance function

Inclusion Criteria:

• Chronic stroke (> six months since last stroke)
• Independent cane walkers. Subjects usually use canes to walk inside (this could be intermittent changing from cane to holding furniture etc.) and always when outside
• A Mini Mental Score of 22 or above.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients at risk of falling identified as a Berg Balance Score ≤42/56