Comparison Between Balance, Gait and Functional Independence Among Stroke Survivors Using Orthotic Support and Non-Users: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Stroke-related impairments restrict balance, walking, and daily functioning. Examining functional differences by ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) use may inform local rehabilitation research. Objective: To compare balance, gait performance, and functional independence between stroke survivors using AFOs and non-users. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study recruited 60 stroke survivors through convenience sampling at three hospitals and rehabilitation facilities in Lahore, Pakistan, over six months. Participants comprised 30 AFO users and 30 non-users. Outcomes were assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), 10-Meter Walk Test, and Functional Independence Measure (FIM). Unadjusted comparisons used Welch’s independent-samples t-tests, with approximate 95% confidence intervals calculated from reported summary statistics. Results: Mean age was 56.53 ± 10.42 years; 50.0% were male. AFO users had higher BBS scores (42.10 ± 2.76 versus 20.27 ± 4.17), faster walking speed (0.77 ± 0.11 versus 0.45 ± 0.09 m/s), and higher FIM scores (65.60 ± 3.04 versus 49.03 ± 3.12). Between-group differences were 21.83 points (95% CI, 20.00–23.66), 0.32 m/s (0.27–0.37), and 16.57 points (14.98–18.16), respectively; all p < 0.001. Conclusion: AFO use was associated with better balance, walking speed, and functional independence. Unadjusted cross-sectional comparisons cannot establish causality