StepWise is an adaptive ankle orthotic device designed to support patients recovering from acute sprains or post-surgical fractures. Classic rehabilitation processes such as physical therapy are expensive, susceptible to reinjury, and not tailored to individual patient needs. This device allows clinicians and patients to progressively restore ankle range of motion, strength, and functional stability while minimizing risk of reinjury. The device operates according to a three-stage recovery process. These stages include the acute phase in which the ankle has near zero mobility, the sub-acute phase in which the ankle has variable mobility, and the functional phase in which the ankle has near full mobility. During the active sub-acute phase, StepWise utilizes anti-backlash motor control and windable bungee cords to constrain range of motion in the ankle according to clinician-defined ranges as well as provide assistance throughout the prescribed range. Patients will work in consultation with their physician regarding any changes in both the broader stages of recovery or the specific set points for range of motion during the sub-acute phase. The device will be tested by confirming the range of motion specifications on human subjects compared to a known angle fixture and ensuring the operation of all required parts. Overall, it will prove successful by demonstrating the potential to improve the rehabilitation process for patients within the intended use population while also exhibiting a greater level of safety in the recovery process.
StepWise is a senior capstone project developed under the supervision of the Biomedical Engineering Department at The College of New Jersey. Here we will document our progress as we move throughout the design control process and towards our final deliverable device. Through here, we will display and discuss our process, the creation of our device requirements and specifications, the results of validation and verification, as well as updates on any challenges and their corresponding solutions.