Effect of Foot Splint and Exercises Session on Foot Drop and Muscles Strengthening among Patients with Stroke

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Lecturer in Medical-Surgical Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Port-Said University

2 Lecturer in Medical-Surgical Nursing, Misr University of Science and technology

3 Lecturer in Medical-Surgical Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Kafer elsheik University

4 Lecturer in Medical Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Mansoura University

5 Lecturer in Medical-Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, South Valley University Qena Egypt

Abstract

Background: Foot-drop in stroke patients usually occurs because the muscles that lift the foot are
weakened by the neural system impairment. Foot drop splints and physical exercise are important to
manage foot drop patients after stroke for safe and efficient walking. Aim: This study was aimed to
evaluate the effect of foot splint and exercises session on foot drop and muscle strengthening among
patients with stroke. Design: Quasi-experimental research design was used in this study. Setting:
The current study was conducted in the neurological department at Port said University Hospital.
Subjects: A purposive sample of 100 ischemic stroke patients was recruited for the study, and was
assigned into two groups, with 50 ischemic stroke patients in each group (the study and control
groups). Tools for data collection; Tool (1): Patient's interview questionnaire; Tool (2): Foot and
ankle disability index (FADI) (pre/post), and Tool (3): muscle strength assessment scale (pre/post).
Results: The results revealed that (84%) of the study group and (88%) of the control group were of
the same age from 40- ≤ 60 groups with a mean age (55.23 ± 7.02) (56.61 ± 4.45) respectively,
(68%) were males. There was a statistically significant difference in the FADI scale total score
among ischemic stroke patients within the study and control group post one month and three months
post-implementation. There was a statistically significant difference in muscle strength scores
among the study and control groups post one month and three months of implementation with an
improvement in the level of muscle strength among the study group and then control group after
implementation of foot splint and exercises. Conclusion: The application of a foot splint and
exercises session has a positive effect on decreasing foot drop disability and improving muscle
strengthening among patients with stroke. Recommendation: We recommend foot splints and
exercises should be engaged in a rehabilitation program for patients with stroke to decrease
disability associated with foot drop and improve muscle strengthening. 

Keywords

Egyptian Journal of Health Care
Volume 13, Issue 1
March 2022
Pages 1907-1919

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