Assessment of Gait and Orthotic Prescription

Most survivors of a stroke have the potential for return of significant function and resumption of useful lives. At least 70% of hemiplegic patients recover the ability to walk. This article discusses the most salient factors affecting ambulation and possible orthotic intervention in the stroke population. The use of gait and motion analysis as an evaluation technique to obtain objective and quantifiable data to formulate the optimal treatment program for a gait dysfunction, including the use of invasive and surgical interventions, is discussed.