Conceptual design of a compliant hip orthosis for Trendelenburg gait

Master thesis (2020)

Authors

P. Vugts Mechanical Engineering

Contributors

J. Rommers Mechatronic Systems Design - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering (supervisor 1)
B.T. Sterke Support Biomechanical Engineering (supervisor 1)
J.L. Herder Precision and Microsystems Engineering (supervisor 1)
C. Ayas Computational Design and Mechanics - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering (coach)
Faculty
Mechanical Engineering
Copyright: © 2020 Pim Vugts
Compliant mechanisms Trendelenburg gait Hip orthosis Hip abduction weakness
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Published Date

09-12-2020

Language

English

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Faculty

Mechanical Engineering

Abstract

Trendelenburg gait is an abnormal gait that occurs when hip abduction muscles are weakened. These weakened muscles cannot deliver enough force to prevent the pelvis from drooping when standing on one leg. This results in an abnormal gait where the upper body sways from left to right to keep the center of gravity above the standing foot. Besides standing out from other people when walking, this causes problems at the hip joint, knees, and ankles. This thesis presents a conceptual design of a compliant hip orthosis to prevent Trendelenburg gait. The design has a high adduction over flexion-extension stiffness ratio, meaning that the upper body is supported while walking is still possible. Also, the design exerts minimal shear forces on the human body, increasing comfort, and does not protrude from the body, making it aesthetically more appealing.