Robotic Sock Technology for Prevention of Deep Vein Thrombosis and Joint Contracture

In the researchers' words

The research team's aim is to investigate the effects of the team's soft robotic socks in providing assisted ankle dorsiflexion-plantarflexion and promoting venous blood flow in stroke patients. Specifically, the investigators intend to 1) observe the development of joint contracture in terms of the range of motion of the ankle joint given the use of the device 2) monitor the presence of blood clots in the deep veins using compression Duplex ultrasonography given the use of the sock device. The investigators hypothesize that a soft robotics approach can provide compliant actuation to simulate natural ankle dorsiflexion and plantarflexion, which will consequently promote blood circulation in the lower leg of stroke patients who have not previously developed ankle joint contracture. This will prevent the occurrence of DVT and movement in the ankle joint will alleviate stiffness. This robotic sock intervention is to prevent the development of ankle joint contracture so established ankle contractures will be excluded from this study.