Article

Innovative technological advancements in the field of orthotics, such as portable
powered orthotic systems, could create new treatment modalities to improve the
functional out come of rehabilitation. In this article,
we present a novel
portable powered ankle-foot orthosis (PPAFO) to provide untethered assistance
during gait. The PPAFO provides both plantar flexor and dorsiflexor torque
assistance by way of a bidirectional pneumatic rotary actuator. The system uses a
portable pneumatic power source (compressed carbon dioxide bottle) and embedded
electronics to control the actuation of the foot. We collected pilot experimental
data from one impaired and three nondisabled subjects to demonstrate design
functionality. The impaired subject had bilateral impairment of the lower legs
due to cauda equina syndrome. We found that data from nondisabled walkers
demonstrated the PPAFO's capability to provide correctly timed plantar flexor and
dorsiflexor assistance during gait. Reduced activation of the tibialis anterior
during stance and swing was also seen during assisted nondisabled walking trials.
An increase in the vertical ground reaction force during the second half of
stance was present during assisted trials for the impaired subject. Data from
nondisabled walkers demonstrated functionality, and data from an impaired walker
demonstrated the ability to provide functional plantar flexor assistance.

Langue : ANGLAIS