Our team designed a "foot pedal" with interchangeable springs on the front and back end to provide resistance in the dorsiflexion and plantar flexion motions. Repeated dorsiflexion and extension motions against resistance strengthen the affected muscles over time. Interchangeable springs allow for the resistance to be increased as needed.
The device is constructed primarily of acrylic, steel rods, springs, and simple electronic components. These inexpensive materials allowed for a low building cost of $18 and selling cost of $35. The following specifications were incorporated to ensure the device is comparable to standard physical therapy equipment.
User interface: A rotational potentiometer measures angular displacement of rod. This output is sent to a microcontroller, which converts rotation to a force in pounds, depending on the spring being used. The force is displayed on a 2-digit LED display encased in an acrylic box, which can be handheld or placed on the floor.
Page by Hayley Chong