Numerical analysis of the mechanical behavior of assistive device using gait data from experimental and statistical methods

Abstract

The present research utilizes two separate methods of applying pre-processing conditions for numerical analyses. Individuals experiencing foot pathologies often require the use of assistive or corrective devices such as prosthetics or orthotics. A conceptual remedial orthotic device is modelled in this study to alleviate the foot conditions in which heel-strike phase is absent. The CAD model of this orthotic model was loaded using a finite element tool to study its mechanical behaviour under the loading conditions that a human foot sustains during the various phases of healthy gait. The von-Mises stress distributions are studied using loading conditions obtained from gait analysis results and those from statistical models. The viability and prospects of using these methods in rehabilitation engineering are discussed in this research.