Smart Orthosis for AFO Tuning

The Smart Ankle-Foot Orthosis (Smart AFO) mobile application (App) requires pairing with the Becker Orthopedic Smart AFO device. The Smart AFO system provides orthotists with automated data fusion and analysis from quantitative gait sensors and qualitative video recording for improved functional walking outcomes in persons who use an AFO post-stroke.

The App allows orthotists to wirelessly stream sagittal ankle angle and sagittal moment gait data from sensors in the Smart AFO device in real-time via Bluetooth. While a patient walks with the Smart AFO device, the App displays and records the live sensor data while recording synced video. After walking, the orthotist can use the App to review the recorded data, save the data to the patient’s database, and optionally use the tuning algorithm to assist with adjusting the AFO settings. Orthotists can use the recorded data to evaluate changes in gait over time, or to evaluate the impact of AFO settings on gait for various terrains. The Smart AFO data saved in each patient’s database in the App can be exported to store in the patient’s Electronic Medical Record or for further analysis.

Orthotists can use the App’s Assisted Tuning feature which evaluates sensor data in combination with an orthotist’s responses to observational questions to suggest adjustments to the Smart AFO device settings. Suggested adjustments may include changing plantarflexion or dorsiflexion spring stiffness, plantarflexion or dorsiflexion range of motion, or static ankle alignment. Through an iterative gait data collection and device adjustment process, the App assists orthotists in determining AFO settings for optimal gait for post-stroke AFO users. The algorithm in the Assisted Tuning feature incorporates Becker Orthopedic’s Systematic Tuning Procedure for Triple Action® Ankle Joints.

*Note: The Smart AFO App requires the Becker Orthopedic instrumented Smart AFO device to effectively use all App features.

Funding Acknowledgement:

Development of this application was partly supported by the App Factory to Support Health and Function of People with Disabilities funded by a grant from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to the Shepherd Center (Grant # 90DPHF0004).

The contents of this application were partly developed under a grant from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR grant number 90BISA0027, 90BISB0019). NIDILRR is a Center within the Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The contents of this mobile app do not necessarily represent the policy of NIDILRR, ACL, or HHS, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.