Design and Development of an Ankle Rehabilitation Device

Jillian Bejoc; Randy Salazar; Lovelyn Tipon; Lance Aldwin Adlaon; Ulysses Cutamora; Alex Aparicio; Nera Mae Lagahid; Joselito Jr. Kuizon; Janclyde Espinosa; Rhonieljoyd Navales; Francisco Emmanuel Jr. III Munsayac; Nilo Bugtai

doi:10.32871/rmrj25si.t2421

Authors

Jillian Bejoc College of Nursing & Allied Health Sciences, Cebu Normal University, Cebu City, Philippines https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4873-050X
Randy Salazar (1) Recoletos Biomedical Devices Innovation Laboratory, University of San Jose-Recoletos, Cebu City, Philippines; (2) Mechanical Engineering Department, University of San Jose-Recoletos, Cebu City, Philippines https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0051-5181
Lovelyn Tipon Research Institute for Ageing & Health, Cebu Normal University, Cebu City, Philippines https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1989-4468
Lance Aldwin Adlaon College of Medicine, Cebu Normal University - Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center, Cebu City, Philippines https://orcid.org/0009-0002-6319-2591
Ulysses Cutamora Physical Therapy Department, Velez College, Cebu City, Philippines https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9751-5905
Alex Aparicio Electronics and Communications Engineering, University of San Jose-Recoletos, Cebu City, Philippines
Nera Mae Lagahid Industrial Engineering Department, University of San Jose-Recoletos, Cebu City, Philippines https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5616-8541
Joselito Jr. Kuizon Mechanical Engineering Department, University of San Jose-Recoletos, Cebu City, Philippines https://orcid.org/0009-0003-6318-904X
Janclyde Espinosa Civil Engineering Department, University of San Jose-Recoletos, Cebu City, Philippines https://orcid.org/0009-0006-6681-5685
Rhonieljoyd Navales Electronics and Communications Engineering, University of San Jose-Recoletos, Cebu City, Philippines
Francisco Emmanuel Jr. III Munsayac Evelyn D. Ang Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Technologies, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5156-2041
Nilo Bugtai Evelyn D. Ang Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Technologies, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4850-9415

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32871/rmrj25si.t2421

Keywords:

foot-ankle rehabilitation, collaborative research, design thinking, kinematics of walking, biomedical device, assistive device, user-centered, human-centered design

Abstract

Background: Ankle injuries significantly impair function and mobility. Timely physical therapy is crucial for minimizing complications, accelerating healing, and facilitating a quicker return to everyday life. Lapses in therapy adherence can have detrimental consequences, prolonging recovery and potentially leading to long-term limitations. This project intends to design and develop an assistive device prototype for foot ankle rehabilitation, improving access to and adherence to necessary therapy.

Methods: A patient’s narrative on her experience with ankle injury and rehabilitation offered crucial information for designing and developing the ankle rehabilitation assistive device. A series of discussions led to establishing design requirements and device specifications ready for prototyping. Experts in engineering, nursing and medical care, physical therapy, and ergonomics contributed to innovating physical rehabilitation therapy. A prototype was constructed and subjected to functionality testing and initial evaluations.

Results: Results of the prototype functionality tests show a need to make several adjustments, including changes in the driving mechanisms—improvements in the load capacity, programming, and control fine-tuning.

Conclusion: Future work on the prototype includes the implementation of the functional test results. Subjecting the prototype to clinical testing and validation, developing and integrating the mobile app, IP registration, and commercialization.

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Design and Development of an Ankle Rehabilitation Device

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