9.3 Orthotic Devices and Exoskeletons
4 min read•august 9, 2024
Orthotic devices and exoskeletons are game-changers in assistive technology. They support and enhance mobility for people with physical limitations, ranging from simple ankle braces to high-tech powered suits that help paralyzed individuals walk.
These innovations blend engineering with medical science, improving lives through custom-fit designs and cutting-edge materials. From spinal supports to robotic limbs, they're pushing the boundaries of what's possible in prosthetic and assistive device design.
Lower Limb Orthoses
Ankle-Foot and Knee-Ankle-Foot Orthoses
Top images from around the web for Ankle-Foot and Knee-Ankle-Foot Orthoses
Frontiers | The Effect of Ankle Foot Orthosis' Design and Degree of Dorsiflexion on Achilles ... View original
Is this image relevant?
Frontiers | Modular Neural Mechanisms for Gait Phase Tracking, Prediction, and Selection in ... View original
Is this image relevant?
Frontiers | Advances on mechanical designs for assistive ankle-foot orthoses View original
Is this image relevant?
Frontiers | The Effect of Ankle Foot Orthosis' Design and Degree of Dorsiflexion on Achilles ... View original
Is this image relevant?
Frontiers | Modular Neural Mechanisms for Gait Phase Tracking, Prediction, and Selection in ... View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Ankle-Foot and Knee-Ankle-Foot Orthoses
Frontiers | The Effect of Ankle Foot Orthosis' Design and Degree of Dorsiflexion on Achilles ... View original
Is this image relevant?
Frontiers | Modular Neural Mechanisms for Gait Phase Tracking, Prediction, and Selection in ... View original
Is this image relevant?
Frontiers | Advances on mechanical designs for assistive ankle-foot orthoses View original
Is this image relevant?
Frontiers | The Effect of Ankle Foot Orthosis' Design and Degree of Dorsiflexion on Achilles ... View original
Is this image relevant?
Frontiers | Modular Neural Mechanisms for Gait Phase Tracking, Prediction, and Selection in ... View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
- Ankle-foot orthoses (AFO) support and control ankle and foot motion
- Consist of a calf section connected to a footplate
- Fabricated from plastic, metal, or composite materials
- Improve gait and efficiency in patients with foot drop or weakness
- Knee-ankle-foot orthoses (KAFO) extend support to include the knee joint
- Feature additional thigh section and knee joint mechanism
- Provide stability for individuals with quadriceps weakness or knee instability
- Allow controlled knee flexion during swing phase of gait
- Biomechanical augmentation enhances orthotic function
- Incorporate energy storage and return mechanisms ( springs)
- Utilize microprocessor-controlled joints for adaptive support
- Improve overall gait pattern and reduce energy expenditure
Design Considerations and Materials
- Material selection impacts orthosis performance and user comfort
- offer lightweight and customizable options (polypropylene)
- Composite materials provide high strength-to-weight ratio (carbon fiber)
- Metals used for durability and adjustability (aluminum, stainless steel)
- Fit and alignment crucial for optimal function and user acceptance
- Custom molding techniques ensure proper contour and pressure distribution
- Adjustable components allow fine-tuning of orthosis alignment
- Biomechanical analysis guides orthosis design
- identifies specific deficits to address
- Force plate data informs and support requirements
- Electromyography (EMG) helps optimize muscle activation patterns
Spinal and Upper Limb Orthoses
Spinal Orthoses for Stability and Alignment
- Cervical orthoses support and immobilize the neck
- Soft collars provide mild support and proprioceptive feedback
- Rigid cervical orthoses (Philadelphia collar) restrict cervical spine motion
- Thoracolumbosacral orthoses (TLSO) address trunk and spinal alignment
- Custom-molded plastic shells conform to patient's torso
- Adjustable straps and pads ensure proper fit and pressure distribution
- Used for scoliosis management, post-operative support, and fracture stabilization
- Sacroiliac (SI) belts compress and stabilize the pelvis
- Alleviate pain associated with SI joint dysfunction
- Provide proprioceptive feedback to improve posture and movement patterns
Upper Limb Orthoses for Function and Support
- Shoulder orthoses address various conditions and injuries
- Slings support the arm and reduce stress on injured structures
- Shoulder immobilizers restrict movement for post-operative healing
- Elbow orthoses range from simple supports to dynamic splints
- Static splints maintain elbow position for contracture management
- Dynamic orthoses assist with active range of motion exercises
- Wrist and hand orthoses improve function and reduce pain
- Cock-up splints support the wrist in functional position
- Finger splints address specific joint instabilities or deformities
- Dynamic splints promote tendon gliding and prevent adhesions
Powered Exoskeletons and Robotics
Powered Exoskeletons for Mobility and Rehabilitation
- augment or restore lower limb function
- Consist of motorized joints, rigid support structures, and power sources
- Utilize and control algorithms to coordinate movement
- Enable individuals with paralysis to stand and walk (ReWalk, Ekso Bionics)
- Design considerations for powered exoskeletons
- Power-to-weight ratio crucial for extended use and portability
- Battery life and charging strategies impact practical application
- User interface and control methods affect ease of use and adoption
Rehabilitation Robotics and Assistive Technology
- Rehabilitation robotics facilitate targeted therapy and assessment
- Robotic gait trainers provide consistent, repetitive movement patterns
- Upper limb robots assist with reaching and grasping exercises
- Provide objective measurement of patient progress and performance
- Assistive technology enhances independence and quality of life
- Smart prosthetics incorporate advanced sensors and control systems
- Robotic assistive devices aid with activities of daily living (feeding, dressing)
- Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices improve communication
Human-Machine Interface and Control Strategies
- Human-machine interfaces enable intuitive control of devices
- Electromyography (EMG) signals used to control prosthetics and exoskeletons
- Brain-computer interfaces (BCI) allow direct neural control of assistive devices
- Eye-tracking systems provide alternative input methods for severely disabled individuals
- Control strategies optimize device performance and user experience
- Adaptive control algorithms learn and adjust to user's movement patterns
- Shared control systems blend user input with autonomous functions
- Haptic feedback enhances user perception and device integration
Key Terms to Review (18)
Alberto Minetti: Alberto Minetti is an Italian researcher known for his contributions to the field of biomechanics and rehabilitation engineering, particularly in the development of innovative orthotic devices and exoskeletons. His work focuses on improving mobility and enhancing the quality of life for individuals with movement disorders by utilizing advanced technology in the design of assistive devices.
Ankle-foot orthosis: An ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) is a supportive device designed to control the position and movement of the ankle and foot, primarily used to improve mobility and stability in individuals with lower limb disabilities. AFOs are often made from various materials, including plastic and metal, and are tailored to fit the unique needs of each user. These devices can assist in walking, provide alignment, and prevent complications related to muscle weakness or paralysis.
Biomechanical Alignment: Biomechanical alignment refers to the optimal positioning and orientation of body segments in relation to one another, ensuring that forces acting on the body are distributed evenly and efficiently. This concept is crucial for preventing injuries, enhancing movement efficiency, and improving overall function in devices designed to support human motion, like orthotic devices and exoskeletons.
Carbon fiber: Carbon fiber is a lightweight, high-strength material made from thin strands of carbon atoms bonded together in a crystalline structure. This unique composition gives carbon fiber exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and rigidity, making it an ideal choice for applications that require durability without added weight. Its properties are especially beneficial in the production of prosthetics and orthotic devices, where performance and comfort are essential.
Clinical trials: Clinical trials are research studies conducted to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of new medical devices, treatments, or procedures on human participants. These trials play a crucial role in determining whether a device or treatment is suitable for widespread use, ensuring that it meets regulatory standards and ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Functional improvement: Functional improvement refers to the enhancement of a person's ability to perform daily activities and tasks, often as a result of rehabilitation or the use of assistive devices. This term is particularly relevant in the context of mobility and independence, where individuals may regain or enhance their functional capabilities through technologies designed to support movement and stability.
Gait analysis: Gait analysis is the systematic study of human walking patterns and movements, often used to identify abnormalities or improve performance. This analysis helps in understanding the mechanics of movement, which is crucial for rehabilitation, sports performance, and the design of assistive devices. By examining parameters such as stride length, cadence, and joint angles, professionals can tailor interventions or products to enhance mobility and function.
Hugh Herr: Hugh Herr is a prominent figure in the field of biomechatronics and a pioneering engineer known for his work in developing advanced prosthetic devices that mimic natural limb movement. After losing both legs due to a climbing accident, he dedicated his career to creating innovative technologies that enhance mobility and improve the quality of life for amputees. His contributions have significantly advanced the design and functionality of orthotic devices and exoskeletons, making him a key player in this area of biomedical engineering.
Knee-ankle-foot orthosis: A knee-ankle-foot orthosis (KAFO) is a type of orthotic device that provides support to the knee, ankle, and foot, helping to stabilize and align these joints in individuals with mobility impairments. This device is particularly important in rehabilitative settings, as it enhances walking ability, aids in maintaining proper posture, and reduces the risk of joint deformities due to conditions like paralysis or muscular dystrophy.
Load Distribution: Load distribution refers to the way forces are spread across a structure or material when subjected to external loads. Understanding how loads are distributed is crucial for designing devices that interact with the human body, ensuring safety and efficiency in applications like prosthetics and orthotic devices.
Mobility enhancement: Mobility enhancement refers to the use of devices or technologies designed to improve or restore an individual’s ability to move and perform physical activities. This can include various assistive devices, such as orthotic devices and exoskeletons, which support individuals with mobility impairments or enhance the physical capabilities of able-bodied users. The aim is to increase independence, reduce fatigue, and promote overall functional mobility in everyday life.
Powered exoskeletons: Powered exoskeletons are wearable robotic devices that enhance the wearer's physical capabilities by providing external support and actuation to assist with movement. These devices can augment strength, endurance, and mobility, making them valuable in rehabilitation, industrial settings, and for individuals with mobility impairments. By integrating sensors and motors, powered exoskeletons allow for more efficient and controlled movement, which is crucial in orthotic and assistive technologies.
Robotic actuators: Robotic actuators are devices that convert energy into motion, enabling robots and assistive devices like orthotic devices and exoskeletons to perform actions. These components are crucial for movement and control, allowing for precise and responsive interactions with the environment. Their application in orthotic devices and exoskeletons enhances rehabilitation, mobility, and independence for users with disabilities or mobility challenges.
Sensors: Sensors are devices that detect and respond to physical stimuli such as pressure, temperature, light, and motion. In the context of orthotic devices and exoskeletons, sensors play a crucial role in providing real-time feedback and data about a user's movements and environment, enhancing the functionality and adaptability of these assistive technologies. By integrating sensors, these devices can become more responsive to user needs, improving comfort, safety, and overall performance.
Stability: Stability refers to the ability of a system or structure to maintain its position and function under varying conditions without failing or collapsing. In the context of orthotic devices and exoskeletons, stability is crucial as it ensures that these assistive technologies provide reliable support and do not compromise the safety or mobility of the user, particularly when subjected to different forces and movements during daily activities.
Thermoplastics: Thermoplastics are a type of plastic material that becomes pliable or moldable upon heating and solidifies upon cooling. This unique property allows them to be reshaped multiple times, making them ideal for various applications, including those involving adaptive devices and supports, such as prosthetics and orthotics. Their versatility and ability to be easily processed contribute significantly to advancements in medical technology.
User Feedback Studies: User feedback studies are systematic evaluations that gather insights and opinions from users regarding a product's usability, functionality, and overall satisfaction. These studies are essential in the design and development of orthotic devices and exoskeletons, as they help engineers understand how these devices meet user needs, identify areas for improvement, and ensure that the end product effectively enhances user experience and performance.
Wearable robotics: Wearable robotics refers to the integration of robotic systems into wearable devices that assist or enhance human physical capabilities. These devices can take the form of exoskeletons or orthotic devices, providing support to individuals with mobility impairments or enhancing the performance of healthy users. By incorporating sensors, actuators, and control systems, wearable robotics helps improve movement efficiency and quality of life for users.