Patients experience many problems
with their gait following a stroke, including
poorly coordinated movements and a
high energy demand (Lehmann et al,
1987; Olney and Richards, 1996;
Bohannon, 1997). This often results in a
loss of confidence and independence for
the patient. It is important to remember
that many of the mobility challenges
faced by stroke patients are present in
stance phase, in addition to a drop foot
in swing phase, which poses ground
clearance issues.