Development of ankle supporter with elastomer-embedded flexible joint

Abstract

The change of lifestyle and medical environment has led to the increasing number of those suffering from lifestyle-related diseases in Japan. The extension of healthy period in lifetime is one of the most important goals of Japanese health policy. In this study, we proposed a new ankle supporter with C-shaped springs and embedded elastic elements in order to reduce the burden of an anterior tibial muscle, and make a clearance between a tip of toe and the ground. According to the results of the strength tests, the combination of the C-spring with 0.3 mm thickness and the elastomer with 70 % filling density performs the supporting torque of 3.7 Nm to the plantarflexion of ankle. In contrast, torques to the other directions were relatively small. In addition, according to the results of gait experiments for seven healthy young subjects, the proposed device reduced the muscle activation of the flexor in the initial contact and swing phase.