Human-orthotic Integrated Biomechanical Model for Comfort Analysis Evaluation

In this thesis, a dynamic analysis simulation model for analysis of pressure distribution in the human/orthosis interface is presented. The software used to develop this simulation model was OpenSim, software for modeling, simulating, controlling, and analyzing the neuromusculoskeletal system, which uses Simbody as the multibody dynamics engine to perform simulations. Two distinct prototypes were developed: an articulated human leg and foot prototype and an articulated ankle-foot orthosis prototype. These two prototypes were defined as a multibody system, based on the multibody dynamic concepts and formulation of Simbody. The Elastic Foundation contact model was used to establish contact between both prototypes. Some degrees of freedom of the system were prescribed with kinematic and kinetic data, acquired in laboratory, ensuring that the resulting movement of the simulation corresponds to a non-pathological gait cycle. Finally, the resultant contact forces between both sub-systems were analyzed and discussed, and some limitations of the simulation model were presented and future directions suggested, in order continuing the development of the presented work.