Design and Evaluation of a Lean-to-Yaw Coupled Ankle Joint in a Lower Limb Paralysis Simulator
S.M.X. Aghaei (TU Delft - Mechanical Engineering)
G. Smit – Mentor (TU Delft - Mechanical Engineering)
N. Zhang – Mentor (TU Delft - Mechanical Engineering)
A.H.A. Stienen – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Mechanical Engineering)
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Abstract
This study presents a novel movable ankle in a Lower Limb Paralysis Simulator (LLPS) and investigates how incorporating a movable ankle into a LLPS influences gait performance in able-bodied users. Three ankle configurations of the new movable ankle were assessed and compared with a rigid condition during walking trials with three able-bodied participants. Outcome measures included stride length, walking speed, physiological cost index, crutch force, and user-perceived stability. The movable ankle conditions produced walking speeds higher than the rigid condition. The physiological cost index was reduced across all movable configurations, and participants reported improved stability and control. Due to the small sample size, further testing must be conducted to see significant results. However, this study shows the potential of integrating a movable ankle in a LLPS to improve gait outcome measures.
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