earticle

영어

The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of a newly developed automatic passive stretching exercise device called “Foot Stretcher” for patients with chronic stroke by examining its effect on functional disability, stiffness, strength, range of motion (ROM), static postural control and gait parameters, and user experiences with the device. The combined method of quantitative and qualitative analyses was adopted in the study. Five patients who had a chronic stroke performed passive stretching exercise by using the device within patient-selected dorsiflexion and plantar flexion angles for 30 min/day, 3 days/week, for 3 weeks. Foot function index (FFI), seated and standing arch height index (AHI), arch rigidity index (ARI), muscle strength and ROM of the affected side, and static postural control and gait parameters were measured before and after the intervention. User experience was assessed through individual interview at the end of the intervention period. Significant improvements were observed in the FFI (P = 0.043), seated AHI (P = 0.042), ARI (P = 0.043), and muscle strength in plantar flexion (P = 0.043). All the participants had positive attitudes toward the device. The automatic foot stretching exercise device was feasible for improving the patients’ functional ability and foot arch stiffness, but not enough to improve muscle strength and ROM in dorsiflexion, and static postural control and gait parameters.