overview
An estimated 23,000 ankle sprains occur every day in the United States, making it one of the most common injuries. A lateral inversion ankle sprain occurs from the downward distribution of weight on the foot while the ankle twists medially toward the body. These sprains affect the lateral ligamentous complex composed of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), the calcaneofibular ligament (CFL), and the posterior talofibular ligament (PTFL), shown in Figure 1.
Physical therapy for ankle sprains incorporates exercises involving plantar flexion (extension) and dorsiflexion of the foot (Figure 1) which are meant to strengthen torn ligaments and elasticity, range of motion, and endurance. This can be costly, ranging from $75-$100 an hour and with sessions continuing for up to a year. In addition, at-home exercises are recommended to supplement the therapy. However, many patients do not perform their at-home exercises consistently and/or properly due to the exercises requiring expensive supplemental devices or requiring the use of the whole body. Inconsistent performance slows the healing process which causes more physical therapy visits and potential further injury.
Physical therapy for ankle sprains incorporates exercises involving plantar flexion (extension) and dorsiflexion of the foot (Figure 1) which are meant to strengthen torn ligaments and elasticity, range of motion, and endurance. This can be costly, ranging from $75-$100 an hour and with sessions continuing for up to a year. In addition, at-home exercises are recommended to supplement the therapy. However, many patients do not perform their at-home exercises consistently and/or properly due to the exercises requiring expensive supplemental devices or requiring the use of the whole body. Inconsistent performance slows the healing process which causes more physical therapy visits and potential further injury.
Problem statement
Individuals healing from lateral ankle sprains need an inexpensive, hands-free device to perform their at-home rehabilitation exercises which will eliminate the current roadblocks that exist to performing at-home exercises, and ultimately will decrease their healing time and overall cost.
Our team built an inexpensive, durable, and portable rehabilitation device for lateral ankle sprains meant to aid physical therapy regimens, both in a doctor’s office and at home. Our goal is to reduce rehabilitation time, saving patients money and reducing the loss of mobility and period of inactivity.
Based on published research of effective ankle rehabilitation methods, the following design constraints were incorporated:
We expect that our market will comprise of those inflicted by lateral ankle sprains, as well as physical therapy offices dealing with athletic and non-athletic injuries. We expect users to use the device during the reparative and remodeling phase of healing, usually 1-6 weeks post-injury. In addition, the 1 year durability expectancy allows for a consistent purchasing audience.
In effect, we hope to decrease the average healing time for ankle sprains and decrease the cost of physical therapy for those afflicted.
Our team built an inexpensive, durable, and portable rehabilitation device for lateral ankle sprains meant to aid physical therapy regimens, both in a doctor’s office and at home. Our goal is to reduce rehabilitation time, saving patients money and reducing the loss of mobility and period of inactivity.
Based on published research of effective ankle rehabilitation methods, the following design constraints were incorporated:
- Range of motion restricted to 50 degree dorsiflexion and 20 degrees extension, with no other directions of rotation allowed.
- Three increasing resistance settings, such that at maximum flexion/extension, the foot employs a force of 15 lb, 40 lb, and 60 lb, respectively. The resistance is to be increased as healing progresses, as the user can reach the maximum flexion/extension with minimal pain and effort.
We expect that our market will comprise of those inflicted by lateral ankle sprains, as well as physical therapy offices dealing with athletic and non-athletic injuries. We expect users to use the device during the reparative and remodeling phase of healing, usually 1-6 weeks post-injury. In addition, the 1 year durability expectancy allows for a consistent purchasing audience.
In effect, we hope to decrease the average healing time for ankle sprains and decrease the cost of physical therapy for those afflicted.
Page by Samantha Noah & Hayley Chong