A NEW METHOD FOR PASSIVE ANKLE FOOT ORTHOSIS DESIGN – INTEGRATION OF MUSCULOSKELETAL AND FINITE ELEMENT SIMULATION

Abstract Motor disorders are diseases affecting the muscle function of human body. A frequently occurring motor disorder affects lower leg muscles resulting in a pathological gait called foot drop. Patients have higher risk stumbling and falling. The most common treatment is use passive ankle-foot-orthosis (AFO). However, compensation drop only limited due to non possible support all rotational directions ankle joint. Therefore, newly developed concept for AFO currently work. To ensure best patient, provided by required patient be accordance. Thus, this contribution method presented that integrates model order reduced finite element analysis computing musculoskeletal models representing patients' behaviour. With method, design force generating structures can realized regarding requirements. further evaluated with specific case. main focus lies here principal functionality provision valid results.