Three reported studies have investigated the effects of using an AFO compared to not using an AFO within 6 months following onset of stroke. Rao et al found that the use of an AFO significantly improved gait velocity, cadence and step length on the affected and unaffected side. Hyun et al. found that using an AFO significantly improved VO2 peak and 6 minute walk test scores . Carse et al showed significant improvement in walking velocity, average step length and cadence with use of AFO. There is only one reported study which looked at the effects of using two different types of AFOs during the subacute stage of stroke, less than 6 months following onset. Results of this study showed that gait speed and knee and ankle control were significantly higher in the Chignon AFO group compared to the polypropylene AFO group. Additionally, participants in the Chignon AFO group had significantly lower spasticity than those in the polypropylene AFO group.