Abstract: Objective To study the effects of ankle-foot retractor on ankle joint motion and equilibrium function of stroke hemiplegic patients.Methods 74 patients were divided into two groups: observation group (n=36) and control group (n=38). The control group was trainedby routine rehabilitation training program and electro-uprise bed, the observation group was trained by ankle-foot retractor based on routinerehabilitation training program. The effect was evaluated after 8 weeks. Results After training, either the observation group or the controlgroup showed significant improvement at motion of ankle joint, activity of daily living (ADL), and equilibrium function, but the observationgroup was better than the control group (P<0.001). Conclusion Ankle-foot retractor plays a positive role on motion of ankle joint, ADL andequilibrium function in stroke patients.

Key words: stroke, ankle joint, ankle-foot retractor, range of motion, equilibrium function, activities of daily living