Ankle-Foot Orthoses (AFOs) are devices applied to the foot and lower leg when ankle joint stability has been lost, commonly through, upper and lower motor neuron lesions resulting in gait abnormalities. Conventional leather and metal AFOs have been largely superseaded by plastic devices in recent years, especially made from polypropylene (PP). To date the design of AFOs is mainly based on empirical studies. A survey of the literature indicates that there is a dearth of experimental investigations in this area. Consequently, more research should be conducted on the mechanical characteristics of AFOs and their interaction with the limb in order to improve design criteria, performances and prescription of the orthoses. The objective of this project was to assess the performance of strain gauges attached to polypropylene (PP) with the perspective of using them to determine orthotic loads and stresses generated in polypropylene AFOs during patient's activity.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:502345 |
| Date | January 2008 |
| Creators | Papi, Enrica |
| Publisher | University of Strathclyde |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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