Design Aspects of a New Device for Ankle Rehabilitation

Abstract

The ankle joint injuries are very common and their recuperation to fully operational capabilities involves rehabilitation. The existent ankle rehabilitation equipment is simple (like elastic bands, foam rollers) and they allow only simple rehabilitation exercises, which cannot be use safe without the aid of a therapist [1]. Actuated devices are advantageous because they allow many types of exercises on same device, and also they accurate measure forces and angular motions. Thus, the field of rehabilitation robotics is constantly evolving, with novel mechanisms that improve the recovery of the ankle joint. The aim of this paper is to propose a new platform, which can realize a large range of ankle related foot movements. This device can perform plantar flexion/dorsiflexion movements as well as the inversion/eversion movements. A 3D design is presented, as well as input angle variation function of output angle.