Efficacy of a Hip Flexion Assist Orthosis in Adults With Hemiparesis After Stroke

I do wonder what the orthosis looks like.
http://ptjournal.apta.org/content/early/2012/01/06/ptj.20110112.abstract
picture here:
http://www.btmrehab.com/retailproducts/hfad/hfad.htm
I bet I could recreate it with bungee cords.

Abstract

Objective To assess the efficacy and safety of a newly developed hip flexion assist orthosis in adult patients with hemiparesis after stroke.

Design The study used a prospective, randomized, before-after trial design. The inclusion criteria were hemiparesis resulting from stroke (onset ≥8 weeks); ability to walk, even if with assistance; and hip flexion weakness (Medical Research Council scale ≤4).

Methods The main outcome measures were the 10-meter walk test and the 6-minute walk test. Patients were also evaluated with the Trunk Control Test, Functional Ambulation Categories, Motricity Index, and hip flexor strength on the Medical Research Council scale. 62 stroke survivors were tested in random order with and without the orthosis. Any adverse event associated with its use was recorded.

Results Both the 6-minute walk test and the 10-meter walk test improved with the use of the orthosis (p<0.0001). A significant negative correlation was noticed between the improvement in the 2 main outcome measures with the orthosis and the Functional Ambulation Categories. The improvement in the 6-minute walk test with the orthosis was inversely related to hip flexor strength.

Conclusions Our data show that the use of a hip flexion assist orthosis can improve gait in patients with post-stroke hemiparesis, particularly those with more severe walking impairment.