A novel method for functional testing of ankle braces based on a modified prosthetic foot testing machine

The aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility of a new dynamic testing method for ankle braces, to quantify the mechanical stability of different orthotic designs. A mechanical, artificial foot model has been designed, considering the anatomy and biomechanics of the human foot. Sensors were built into the ankle joint, based on medical and technical principles. Together with an actuator, they were used as a test bench for validating ankle braces. For a first feasibility study, the influence of five different types of ankle orthoses for selected movement sequences was investigated.