An Automatically Adjusting Dynamic Orthosis to Enhance Performance of Warfighters with Lower Limb Injury
Abstract
In Year 2 the motor-driven adjustment system was modified to include two parts one for adjustment of strut stiffness and the other for adjustment of DAFO angle (plantarflexion/dorsiflexion adjustment). Much of our effort was focused on human participant testing to identify appropriate sensor metrics for the controller to maintain during running. DAFO deflection proved the most effective metric for strut stiffness adjustment, and peak bending moment timing expressed as a percentage of stance phase proved the most effective metric for DAFO angle adjustment. Modifications were made to the adjustable strut hardware to reduce its size and enhance the range of selectable stiffness settings. A range of 3 PDE levels was achieved. An effort to outsource production of the carbon fiber rear strut in the adjustable strut system was ineffective, though fabrication within our lab continues to be successful. The collected participant data strongly supports the hypothesis that the controller will make proper adjustments to account for disturbances, e.g., user running speed and surface terrain.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2022
- Accession Number
- AD1190876
Entities
People
- Joan E Sanders
- Joseph L. Garbini
Organizations
- University of Washington