Development of an ankle foot orthosis for hemiplegic children
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2018
Abstract
Hemiplegia is a half body paralysis which causes disability in mobility function. Hemiplegia is normally discovered since early birth and is not curable. Treatment such as physical therapy can be carried out for the hemiplegic patient to prevent muscle contraction, especially at the early age. In this research, a tool for the physical therapy and gait assistance known as ankle foot orthosis (AFO) was developed for the hemiplegic children. The AFO was based on the active concept that mobilised the ankle by preventing excessive plantarflexion and allowed dorsiflexion. A linear type DC (direct current) motor was used as the actuator. The maximum range of motion (ROM) was +20° for the dorsiflexion and -20° for plantarflexion movement. The prototype was fabricated using 3D printing. Simple control for the device was developed using Arduino kits. The development of a new AFO is hoped to support the rehabilitation of the hemiplegic children.
Keywords
Ankle Foot Orthosis, Dorsiflexion, Gait Assistance, Hemiplegic
Divisions
fac_eng
Funders
Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia (MOHE) under the Research Acculturation Collaboration Effort (RACE) grant [Grant No: RACE/c(4)/1333/2016(6)]
Publication Title
Journal of Telecommunication, Electronic and Computer Engineering
Volume
10
Issue
1-16
Publisher
Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka