Energetics of a Novel 3D-Printed Custom Ankle Foot Orthosis in a Population of Individuals with Foot Drop: A Pilot Study
Passive Dynamic Ankle–Foot Orthoses (PD-AFOs) are medical devices prescribed to individuals with foot drop, a condition characterized by weakness of the ankle dorsiflexor muscles. PD-AFOs can store and release energy during the stance phase of the gait cycle, while supporting the foot in the swing p...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Applied Sciences |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/11/5885 |
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| Summary: | Passive Dynamic Ankle–Foot Orthoses (PD-AFOs) are medical devices prescribed to individuals with foot drop, a condition characterized by weakness of the ankle dorsiflexor muscles. PD-AFOs can store and release energy during the stance phase of the gait cycle, while supporting the foot in the swing phase. This study aimed at estimating the energetics of a novel fiberglass-reinforced polyamide custom PD-AFO in a population of mild foot drop patients. Eight PD-AFOs were designed and 3D-printed via selective laser sintering for eight participants with a unilateral foot drop condition. Lower limb kinematics and AFO flexion/extension were recorded during comfortable walking speed via skin marker-based stereophotogrammetry. The stiffness of each AFO was measured via an ad hoc experimental setup. The elastic work performed by the PD-AFO during gait was calculated as the dot product of the calf-shell resisting moment and the rotation angle. The average maximum energy stored by the calf-shell across all PD-AFOs was 0.013 ± 0.005 J/kg. According to this study, 3D-printed custom PD-AFOs made with fiberglass-reinforced polyamide can store some elastic energy, which is released to the ankle during push-off. Further studies should be conducted to assess the effect of this energy return mechanism in improving the gait of individuals with deficits of the ankle plantarflexor muscles. |
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| ISSN: | 2076-3417 |