Surrogate Lower Limb Design for Ankle-Foot Orthosis Testing

Author(s):  
Alexis Thibodeau ◽  
Patrick Dumond ◽  
Edward Lemaire
1998 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 230-239 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Suga ◽  
O. Kameyama ◽  
R. Ogawa ◽  
M. Matsuura ◽  
H. Oka

The authors have developed a knee-ankle-foot orthosis with a joint unit that controls knee movements using a microcomputer (Intelligent Orthosis). The Intelligent Orthosis was applied to normal subjects and patients, and gait analysis was performed. In the gait cycle, the ratio of the stance phase to the swing phase was less in gait with the knee locked using a knee-ankle-foot orthosis than in gait without an orthosis or gait with the knee controlled by a microcomputer. The ratio of the stance phase to the swing phase between controlled gait and normal gait was similar. For normal subjects the activity of the tibialis anterior was markedly increased from the heel-off phase to the swing phase in locked gait. The muscle activities of the lower limb were lower in controlled force in locked gait showed spikes immediately after heel-contact in the vertical at heel-contact in the sagittal to locked gait, gait with the Intelligent Orthosis is smooth and close to normal gait from the viewpoint of biomechanics. Even in patients with muscle weakness of the quadriceps, control of the knee joint using the Intelligent Orthosis resulted in a more smooth gait with low muscle discharge.


Author(s):  
James A. Dawley ◽  
Andrew M. Romanazzi ◽  
Kevin B. Fite

Control of prosthetic limbs using myoelectric muscle potentials from the wearer’s residual limb enables direct control of artificial limb behavior. The typical approach entails the integration of surface electromyogram (sEMG) electrodes within the inner wall of the socket interface, located to target specific superficial muscles in the amputee’s residual limb. While myoelectric upper-limb control is commonplace in prosthetic practice, its use in lower-extremity devices has been slow to follow suit. Various research efforts have studied approaches to implementing myoelectric control of artificial leg behavior [1–4], but the need for myoelectric control in lower-limb prostheses has been limited by the lack of commercial prototypes with the capability of net power generation.


1981 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 149-153 ◽  
Author(s):  
A E Trappitt ◽  
N Berme

A six channel transducer designed to measure loads in a conventional knee/ankle/foot orthosis is described. Four such transducers are employed to describe fully the orthotic load system. Design considerations, construction and response of the load transducers together with sample test results are presented.


2016 ◽  
Vol 37 ◽  
pp. 13-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ellyn C. Ranz ◽  
Elizabeth Russell Esposito ◽  
Jason M. Wilken ◽  
Richard R. Neptune

2014 ◽  
Vol 472 (10) ◽  
pp. 3026-3035 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Russell Esposito ◽  
Ryan V. Blanck ◽  
Nicole G. Harper ◽  
Joseph R. Hsu ◽  
Jason M. Wilken

2020 ◽  
pp. 030936462097140
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Russell Esposito ◽  
Mitchell D Ruble ◽  
Andrea J Ikeda ◽  
Jason M Wilken

Background: Maintaining an optimal rolling of the foot over the ground is thought to increase the stability and efficiency of pathologic gait. Ankle-foot orthoses are often prescribed to improve gait mechanics in individuals with lower extremity injuries; however, their design may compromise how the foot rolls over the ground. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the sagittal plane ankle-foot orthosis alignment on roll-over shape and center of pressure velocity in individuals with lower limb reconstructions. Study design: Randomized cross-over study with a control group comparison. Methods: In total, 12 individuals with lower limb reconstruction who used a custom carbon ankle-foot orthosis and 12 uninjured controls underwent gait analysis. Ankle-foot orthosis users were tested in their clinically-provided ankle-foot orthosis alignment, with an alignment that was 3° more plantarflexed, and with an alignment that was 3° more dorsiflexed. Components of roll-over shape and center of pressure velocity were calculated from heel strike on the ankle-foot orthosis limb to contralateral heel strike. Results: Roll-over shape radius was not affected by 3° changes to alignment and was not significantly different from controls. Aligning the ankle-foot orthosis in more dorsiflexion than clinically provided resulted in a smaller peak center of pressure velocity that occurred later in stance. Conclusion: Individuals using custom carbon ankle-foot orthoses can accommodate 3° alterations in the dorsiflexion or plantarflexion alignment.


2016 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-77 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva Pröbsting ◽  
Andreas Kannenberg ◽  
Britta Zacharias

Background: There are clear indications for benefits of stance control orthoses compared to locked knee ankle foot orthoses. However, stance control orthoses still have limited function compared with a sound human leg. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential benefits of a microprocessor stance and swing control orthosis compared to stance control orthoses and locked knee ankle foot orthoses in activities of daily living. Study design: Survey of lower limb orthosis users before and after fitting of a microprocessor stance and swing control orthosis. Methods: Thirteen patients with various lower limb pareses completed a baseline survey for their current orthotic device (locked knee ankle foot orthosis or stance control orthosis) and a follow-up for the microprocessor stance and swing control orthosis with the Orthosis Evaluation Questionnaire, a new self-reported outcome measure devised by modifying the Prosthesis Evaluation Questionnaire for use in lower limb orthotics and the Activities of Daily Living Questionnaire. Results: The Orthosis Evaluation Questionnaire results demonstrated significant improvements by microprocessor stance and swing control orthosis use in the total score and the domains of ambulation ( p = .001), paretic limb health ( p = .04), sounds ( p = .02), and well-being ( p = .01). Activities of Daily Living Questionnaire results showed significant improvements with the microprocessor stance and swing control orthosis with regard to perceived safety and difficulty of activities of daily living. Conclusion: The microprocessor stance and swing control orthosis may facilitate an easier, more physiological, and safer execution of many activities of daily living compared to traditional leg orthosis technologies. Clinical relevance This study compared patient-reported outcomes of a microprocessor stance and swing control orthosis (C-Brace) to those with traditional knee ankle foot orthosis and stance control orthosis devices. The C-Brace offers new functions including controlled knee flexion during weight bearing and dynamic swing control, resulting in significant improvements in perceived orthotic mobility and safety.


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