Developement of a Wearable Multi Direction Ankle Exercise Device for DVT Prevention

Abstract

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms in a lower limb due to a prolonged period of inactivity. By improving the deep vein circulation through ankle exercises, it is possible to prevent DVT. However, current rehabilitation measures, such as manual physical therapy, are labor intensive and time consuming. The existing automatic exercise assisting devices are expensive and bulky. Hence, in this study, we designed a novel wearable DVT prevention device using thin McKibben muscles. Without a rigid structure, the device was composed of only soft materials, was extremely lightweight, and occupied little space around the leg. Ankle exercises in all directions, including dorsiflexion-plantarflexion, inversion-eversion, and abduction-adduction, could be achieved using the proposed DVT prevention device. The range of motion by this device was evaluated. The device achieved 60% of the range of motion for dorsi-plantarflexion, 95% for inversion-eversion and 80% for abduction-adduction.