We describe the design and control of a wearable robotic device powered by pneumatic artificial muscle actuators for use in ankle-foot rehabilitation. The design is inspired by the biological musculoskeletal system of the human foot and lower leg, mimicking the morphology and the functionality of the biological muscle-tendon-ligament structure. A key feature of the device is its soft structure ...

We performed this review to provide a clearer understanding of how to effectively measure ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) rigidity. This information is important to ensure appropriate orthotic intervention in the treatment of patients with pathological gait. The two main approaches to the investigation of AFO rigidity are (1) bench-testing analyses, in which an AFO is fixed or attached to a measureme...

The results are reported from a study of 103 cases fitted with the knee splint harness (KSH) which is an orthotic device used for the treatment of congenital subluxation and dislocation of the hip. The knee splint harness consists of a harness attached to posterior plastic shells at the knee which prevent flexion beyond 90 degrees while permitting full and free knee extension. No case was encou...

OBJECTIVE To evaluate a selective implantable drop foot stimulator (ActiGait) in terms of effect on walking and safety. DESIGN A phase II trial in which a consecutive sample of participants acted as their own controls. SUBJECTS People who had suffered a stroke at least 6 months prior to recruitment and had a drop-foot that affected walking were recruited from 3 rehabilitation centres in Den...

The proliferation of new designs for anklefoot orthoses fabricated with thermoplastic materials presents a bewildering picture for the clinician faced with the prescribing of a particular device for an individual patient. Indeed, the orthotics specialist with his spe­ cial knowledge may require to adopt a trial and error policy extending over a consider­ able number of patients before the advan...

The present manuscript seeks to discuss methodological aspects regarding the application of the novel unloading orthosis 'HEPHAISTOS' that has been specifically developed to study physiological effects of muscular unloading without altering the impact of gravitational loading. The 'HEPHAISTOS' has been applied in an ambulatory clinical interventional study. During gait, the 'HEPHAISTOS' signifi...

The relationship between hindfoot deformity and forefoot pressure was assessed in 28 rheumatoid patients who had undergone forefoot reconstruction four years previously. Patients with valgus hindfoot deformities tended to have high forefoot pressures whereas those with a normal hindfoot recorded normal pressures on the dynamic pedobarograph. All patients with residual forefoot pain recorded abn...

INTRODUCTION The current knowledge of sports-related injuries emphasizes the importance of orthotic devices as a protective equipment. This work will analyse the role of the orthotic devices in treatment of some injuries of the foot in soccer players. The pathological processes that can be developed in the foot are caused by either simple acute traumas duo to contact or microtraumas due to repe...

Lower-limb amputees often exhibit large fluctuation in residual-limb shape, necessitating careful observation and anthropometric measurement for prosthetists to ensure socket fit. Anthropometric measurement may become more important as an outcome measure indicating success in rehabilitation. This study investigated the accuracy and reliability of seven prosthetic anthropometric measurement devi...