Abstract
We propose a passive motion exercise device for ankle flexion and extension that can be applied to those who suffer from ankle joint deformity caused by prolonged immobility after onset of cerebrovascular disease. In case of existing ankle motion exercise devices, a footplate keeps parallel to the axis of ankle flexion and extension. This may jeopardize the joint cartilage and cause pain during passive motion exercise, since a patient must force the ankle position to fit in the device. Also, the footplate of the existing device does not exert enough force on the patient's sole since contact area between them is limited. To provide passive motion exercises for these patients, we propose a device which enables passive dorsiflexion/plantar flexion movements of ankle with adjustable eversion and inversion. Preliminary experiments and evaluation by physical therapists are carried out using a prototype.
