Stance-control-orthosis: A walking assistive device

Material selection and proper design are essential for developing a new product, especially biomedical devices. Researchers have sought to improve and develop the design of lower limb orthosis in the last few decades to enhance the mobility of impaired individuals. Knee¿ankle¿foot orthosis (KAFO) are typically prescribed to the patients with weak quadriceps. Stance-control-orthoses (SCOs) are better alternative of KAFO since SCOs allow free knee motion during the swing phase and keep the knee locked in full extension during stance phase. A prefabricated SCO has been developed, which is lighter than commercially available prefabricated devices. It is off-the-shelf and compact in design. It contains adjustable features to make it competent for wide range of patient in terms of height (153 cm to 183 cm) and weight. Moreover, it allows higher knee flexion during swing phase and lower hip hiking. It helps patients to walk similar to normal gait. This device is light, structurally stable, functionally suitable and cosmetically acceptable to users.