Rajesh Kumar Mohanty, Priyanka Behera, Pabitra Kumar Sahoo, Sakti Prasad Das

Ankle Foot Orthosis; Foot Drop; Gait; Kinematics; Kinetics; Stroke

Ankle foot orthoses (AFOs) are usually used for patients with hemiplegic foot drop after stroke to provide support in walking. While the literature provides important information on the beneficial effect of the AFOs, there is still a need for more data describing the impact of different designs of AFOs on gait of subjects during rehabilitation phase after stroke. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical efficacy of two designs of AFOs (Solid and Hinged) on specific gait parameters, kinematics and kinetics during gait by subjects with hemiplegic foot drop after stroke. Thirty subjects with hemiplegic foot drop after stroke participated in this study. Comparison of gait pattern was performed in barefoot, solid and hinged AFO walking conditions. Temporal-spatial, kinematic and kinetic data were collected using force platform (version BTS P-6000, Italy) and six high definition optoelectronic cameras with reflective markers (BTS SMART-DX 6000, Italy) in gait and motion analysis lab. Though subjects walked faster, with a higher cadence and step lengths, when using solid AFO as compared to hinged AFO, the difference was non-significant ( > 0.05). Significant difference was observed between gait parameters, kinematics and kinetics of either ankle foot orthosiss compared to barefoot (P < 0.05). Significant difference was observed between two AFOs in mean increase in dorsiflexion at initial contact, peak ankle dorsiflexion during stance, ankle power at push off and peak vertical ground reaction. These findings suggest that, compared to barefoot an AFO yields better gait and thus more effectively manage footdrop, however difference between uses of its variants has almost no impact. Further research to explore the potential utility of these designs of AFOs is indicated.

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Neharika Saxena and H M Saxena

Immunocompetence; Syndromes; Nutrients

Nutrition is significant modulator of the resistant function and can often tip the balance between health and syndrome. Many types of syndromes are due to malnutrition. Specific concentrations of nutrients are required for optimal health of the animal. The diet supplies energy and amino acids that contribute to the development, maintenance and use of the immune system. Substrates are necessary for the anabolic activity of immune system’s cells (leukocytes), such as proliferation and antibody production as well as the secretion by the liver of large quantities. In young animals, a rigorous deficiency of any nutrient impairs immunocompetence. Nutrients can affect the functions of leukocytes and hence the type, duration, and magnitude of the immune response. It is important to determine the quantitative nutrient requirements of the immune system for its development in the young animal, its maintenance at times of good health, and its poor immunocompetence, in turn, can result in greater incidence and duration of infections, leading to decreased food intake, nutrient losses, and impaired animal health and well-being. There are two basic causes of degenerative diseases: immune dysfunction due to toxicity, and nutritional deficiency. Deficiency arises from poor soil and depletion of nutrition in processed feeds. Many types of illnesses and diseases are caused by malnutrition. Target animal species require to be examining to decide specific concentrations of nutrients for best immunocompetence and physical condition.

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