Development of an ankle foot orthosis for hemiplegic children

Hemiplegia is a half body paralysis which causes disability in mobility function. Hemiplegia is normally discovered since early birth and is not curable. Treatment such as physical therapy can be carried out for the hemiplegic patient to prevent muscle contraction, especially at the early age. In this research, a tool for the physical therapy and gait assistance known as ankle foot orthosis (AFO) was developed for the hemiplegic children. The AFO was based on the active concept that mobilised the ankle by preventing excessive plantarflexion and allowed dorsiflexion. A linear type DC (direct current) motor was used as the actuator. The maximum range of motion (ROM) was +20° for the dorsiflexion and -20° for plantarflexion movement. The prototype was fabricated using 3D printing. Simple control for the device was developed using Arduino kits. The development of a new AFO is hoped to support the rehabilitation of the hemiplegic children.