Stroke rehabilitation and long leg brace.

Although a short leg brace (SLB) is mainly used for stroke rehabilitation, we should also remember the value of a long leg brace (LLB). The indications for LLB are discussed. For example, a LLB provides stability for the knee. The LLB can be used in any situation that creates instability for the knee. The practice of a 155-bed medium-sized rehabilitation hospital in Japan is investigated regarding stroke rehabilitation and the LLB from October 2001 to October 2003. The LLB was prescribed to 12 patients. If the patients made good progress, the LLB was converted to an SLB. The period of conversion from LLB to SLB shows the improvement of the conditions. Patients were divided into three groups according to the period of the conversion: less than 14 days, more than 15 days, and no conversion. Comparing the FIM points, there are more points for patients whose brace is converted in less than 14 days but there is a greater improvement in FIM points when the brace is converted in more than 14 days. It is advised that the patients who have the worse conditions should have the LLB earlier because then these patients can concentrate on their rehabilitation program and are not disturbed by the conversion of the brace.