Effect of Ankle-Foot Orthosis Stiffness on Muscle Force During Gait Through Mechanical Testing and Gait Simulation

Mechanical testing and gait measurement for ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) are crucial determining the AFO stiffness magnitude in an individual. However, information on effect of muscle force during is limited. This study aimed to investigate relationship between ankle gait. The was mechanically tested using a six-axis robot arm. adjusted different spring constants. Five conditions were set each plantarflexion resistive (PFR) dorsiflexion (DFR) function. PFR DFR determined musculoskeletal models. Tibialis anterior (TA) triceps surae (TS) forces calculated through simulation. angle-moment relationships display hysteresis loops condition. One differed significantly from others (for all, p <; 0.05). In order lower stiffness, contribution ratio peak TA normalized no-stiffness condition 8.4%, 10.8%, 11.3%, 13.5%, 15.3%; while TS 16.2%, 20.9%, 25.3%, 29.8%, 30.5%, respectively. Through mechanical as well simulation, it demonstrated that decreased required can contribute more effective rehabilitation fabrication with customized individual