Immediate Effects of a Novel Hybrid Passive Spring-Damper Ankle-Foot Orthosis on Gait in Hemiparetic Multiple Sclerosis Subjects

In a study with twelve mildly hemiparetic individuals, the use of a novel hybrid passive spring-damper ankle-foot orthosis (HPSD-AFO) resulted in reduced step width and stride time. Dynamic stability improved, showing a decrease in the margin of stability on the non-affected side and an increase on the affected side, alongside better inter-limb symmetry.

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Source: Read original source (PMID 42801883)

This plain-English summary was written by AI from a published abstract and may contain errors. It is not medical advice. Read the original study and talk to your MS team before making decisions about treatment.

Why it matters

These findings demonstrate that the HPSD-AFO may enhance stability and gait symmetry in hemiparetic patients, which can be critical for improving their mobility and safety.

What this does not prove

The study only assessed immediate effects, lacking long-term data and adaptation outcomes. Also, the small sample size may limit the applicability of the results to the broader population.

Next milestone

No next milestone was established from the available source.

Study facts

Study design: Interventional
Participants / samples: 12 · basis not reported
Randomised: No
Controlled: Not reported
Primary endpoint met: Yes
Relevant MS type: Not reported
Publication date: 2026-09-17
Evidence reviewed: Abstract only
Regulatory approval: Not reported
Research areas: Not classified

Original sources

Primary evidenceModulating the margin of stability and inter-limb symmetry: A before-after trial on the acute effects of a novel hybrid passive spring damper ankle-foot orthosis in hemiparetic multiple sclerosis with drop-foot. ↗DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2026.113586

Supporting passages (10)

study designThis within-subject before-after trial evaluated gait in twelve mildly hemiparetic PwMS (three males, nine females; mean age 35.2 years) under both shod and novel HPSD-AFO conditions.

subjectsThis within-subject before-after trial evaluated gait in twelve mildly hemiparetic PwMS (three males, nine females; mean age 35.2 years) under both shod and novel HPSD-AFO conditions.

sample sizeThis within-subject before-after trial evaluated gait in twelve mildly hemiparetic PwMS (three males, nine females; mean age 35.2 years) under both shod and novel HPSD-AFO conditions.

randomizedThis within-subject before-after trial evaluated gait in twelve mildly hemiparetic PwMS (three males, nine females; mean age 35.2 years) under both shod and novel HPSD-AFO conditions.

primary endpoint metThe primary aim was to evaluate changes in the margin of stability (MoS)-an instantaneous measure of stability derived from the extrapolated center of mass (XcoM)-comparing outcomes between the affected and unaffected sides.

publication date2026-09-17

interventionThis clinical trial assessed the immediate effect of a novel hybrid passive spring-damper ankle-foot orthosis (HPSD-AFO) on dynamic stability in hemiparetic PwMS.

primary endpointThe primary aim was to evaluate changes in the margin of stability (MoS)-an instantaneous measure of stability derived from the extrapolated center of mass (XcoM)-comparing outcomes between the affected and unaffected sides.

findingsGait with the HPSD-AFO resulted in significantly reduced step width and stride time.

limitationsTitle: Modulating the margin of stability and inter-limb symmetry: A before-after trial on the acute effects of a novel hybrid passive spring damper ankle-foot orthosis in hemiparetic multiple sclerosis with drop-foot.

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