Static Bending Test of a Carbon Fiber Posterior Leaf Spring Ankle Foot Orthoses (PLS-AFOs)

Drop foot is a condition that limits the ability to move the foot upward, which can impair walking. Carbon fiber ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) are commonly used to assist people with drop foot, but they can be expensive and difficult to obtain. This study investigated the use of 3D printing to create carbon fiber posterior leaf spring AFOs (PLS-AFOs). The foot part or Heel support component of PLS-AFOs were printed using carbon fiber and polylactic acid (PLA) filaments. The strength, weight, and load-displacement relationship of the PLS-AFOs were compared. The results showed that PLS-AFOs made from carbon fiber were stronger, and had a better load-displacement relationship than those made from PLA. This suggests that 3D printing can be used to create affordable and accessible carbon fiber PLS-AFOs. The findings of this study will be used to design a new generation of PLS-AFOs that are stronger, and more affordable than traditional AFOs, making them more accessible to people with drop foot.