Table 1 Participant inclusion and exclusion criteria

Inpatients who have suffered a recent (1-12 months) hemiplegia

Are unable to give informed consent

Aged 16-80 years

Are unable to walk, even when assisted

Male or Female

Suffer from significant peripheral vascular disease ? not suitable for fitting of AFO

Have difficulty walking, but able to walk with/without assistance

Have any other significant medical problems likely to preclude use of AFO or follow-up

Have difficulty flexing knee and extending hip during walking

Meet the criteria for AFO referral as outlined in AFO screening tool (NHS BPS, Appendix 9)

Able to give informed consent

Able to attend for follow-up at 3 and 6 months