This paper describes a novel device to evaluate the mechanical properties of ankle foot orthoses (AFOs). The apparatus permits the application to AFOs of continuous three-dimensional (3D) movements between specified and settable endpoints. Using an robot with a rotary stage and a six-component load cell, characteristic displacement versus reaction force curves can be generated and consequently the ankle moments can be determined as a function of dorsi/plantar flexion, inv/eversion and int/external rotation. Representative curves for two polypropylene lateral leaf AFOs, different in shape but produced for the same leg by a skilled orthotist, are presented to illustrate the capabilities of the novel testing system. The metrological investigation showed that the apparatus creates a highly repeatable data set (uncertainty FSO).
Skip Nav Destination
Article navigation
November 2005
Technical Briefs
A Continuous Loading Apparatus for Measuring Three-dimensional Stiffness of Ankle-Foot Orthoses
Paolo Cappa,
Paolo Cappa
Department of Mechanics and Aeronautics,
University of Rome “La Sapienza,”
Via Eudossiana 18, Rome, Italy and Paediatric Neuro-rehabilitation Division, Children’s Hospital “Bambino Gesù,”
Via Torre di Palidoro, Passoscuro Rome, Italy
Search for other works by this author on:
Fabrizio Patanè,
Fabrizio Patanè
Department of Mechanics and Aeronautics,
University of Rome “La Sapienza,”
Via Eudossiana 18, Rome, Italy and Paediatric Neuro-rehabilitation Division, Children’s Hospital “Bambino Gesù,”
Via Torre di Palidoro, Passoscuro Rome, Italy
Search for other works by this author on:
Giuseppe Di Rosa
Giuseppe Di Rosa
Paediatric Neuro-rehabilitation Division,
Children’s Hospital “Bambino Gesù,”
Via Torre di Palidoro, Passoscuro, Rome, Italy
Search for other works by this author on:
Paolo Cappa
Department of Mechanics and Aeronautics,
University of Rome “La Sapienza,”
Via Eudossiana 18, Rome, Italy and Paediatric Neuro-rehabilitation Division, Children’s Hospital “Bambino Gesù,”
Via Torre di Palidoro, Passoscuro Rome, Italy
Fabrizio Patanè
Department of Mechanics and Aeronautics,
University of Rome “La Sapienza,”
Via Eudossiana 18, Rome, Italy and Paediatric Neuro-rehabilitation Division, Children’s Hospital “Bambino Gesù,”
Via Torre di Palidoro, Passoscuro Rome, Italy
Giuseppe Di Rosa
Paediatric Neuro-rehabilitation Division,
Children’s Hospital “Bambino Gesù,”
Via Torre di Palidoro, Passoscuro, Rome, ItalyJ Biomech Eng. Nov 2005, 127(6): 1025-1029 (5 pages)
Published Online: July 11, 2005
Article history
Received:
March 9, 2005
Revised:
July 11, 2005
Citation
Cappa, P., Patanè, F., and Di Rosa, G. (July 11, 2005). "A Continuous Loading Apparatus for Measuring Three-dimensional Stiffness of Ankle-Foot Orthoses." ASME. J Biomech Eng. November 2005; 127(6): 1025–1029. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.2049313
Download citation file:
Get Email Alerts
Related Articles
Assessment of Mechanical Characteristics of Ankle-Foot Orthoses
J Biomech Eng (July,2018)
An Efficient Robotic Tendon for Gait Assistance
J Biomech Eng (October,2006)
Design Concept for a Total Knee Replacement with Condylar Guiding Features
J. Med. Devices (June,2011)
A Novel Device to Evaluate the Stiffness of Ankle-Foot Orthosis Devices
J Biomech Eng (December,2003)
Related Proceedings Papers
Related Chapters
Static Stiffness Analysis on Spatial Rotation 4-SPS-S Parallel Robot Mechanism with a Passive Constraining Spherical Joint
Proceedings of the 2010 International Conference on Mechanical, Industrial, and Manufacturing Technologies (MIMT 2010)
Supporting Systems/Foundations
Handbook on Stiffness & Damping in Mechanical Design
The ServoTeach Module
Precision Programming of Roving Robots: Project-Based Fundamentals of Wheeled, Legged and Hybrid Mobile Robots