Evaluating the contribution of a neural component of ankle joint resistive torque in patients with stroke using a manual device

Shape Memory Ankle-Foot Orthoses

Electrically actuated ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) were designed and prototyped using shape memory textile composites. Acrylic copolymers were synthesized as the matrix to demonstrate shape memory effects, whereas electrothermal fabrics were embedded to generate uniform heat as a trigger. Superior to conventional polymeric orthoses, shape memory AFOs (SM-AFOs) could be repeatedly programmed at least 20 times with stable shape fixity and recovery. Evidenced by clinical practice, SM-AFOs were effectively actuated at 10 V, allowing the correction of ankle angles with 10° plantarflexion. Ultimately, we envision a smart orthopedic system that can advance progressive rehabilitation with manipulation under safe and convenient conditions.

Design of a manual device to measure ankle joint stiffness and range of motion

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Ankle joint stiffness and its range of motion (ROM) are commonly assessed to determine the appropriate mechanical characteristics required in an effective ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) prescription. The aim of this technical note is to present the design of a manual device that enables their convenient measurement in the clinical setting and to demonstrate its reliability.

TECHNIQUE

The manual device was designed with a torquemeter, a potentiometer, a steering wheel, a rotary plate, and a foot plate. The measurement of resistive torque at 0° (neutral), 5° (dorsiflexion) and 10° (dorsiflexion) ankle angular positions demonstrated the high reliability of the device with Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) (1,k) values over 0.97.

DISCUSSION

Quantitative measurement of ankle joint stiffness and ROM by this manual device would provide objective information that could potentially assist AFO prescriptions. A future study should investigate how to incorporate the measurement obtained from the device into the prescription of an AFO.