Development of a range of motion device for ankle joints and its operation test

Abstract

We have developed a passive range of motion (ROM) exercise device for the ankle joints. We applied a pneumatic soft actuator as the drive source. Since the soft actuator has an inflatable structure using flexible materials, it operates with compressed air. In this device, the ankle joint is moved passively by pressing the toes and heels with the actuator. In addition to plantarflexion and dorsiflexion, the device aims to provide supination and pronation that existing equipment cannot provide. In this research, in order to subjectively evaluate the performance of the prototype device, we conducted an operation test on 13 healthy adults.