Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a prevalent chronic condition affecting the central nervous system (CNS), impacting cognitive, emotional, motor, sensory, and visual functions, with over 1.8 million individuals worldwide affected. Among the many symptoms, foot drop stands out as a common issue, characterized by a disruption in nerve communication between the foot and the brain, leading to weakness in the ankle. This weakness results in the foot dropping during walking, increasing the risk of tripping, particularly on uneven surfaces. In collaboration with Dr. John Marmarou, the Executive Director of the 810 MS Specialty Center, and Professor Alireza Ebadi of the MME Department, we have designed and developed a frictionless clip-on toe guard assistive device to address this challenge. The design is supported by numerical simulations and experimental measurements. The research conducted through this project has led to the filing of the provisional patent application, titled “Ambulatory Foot Appliance” and assigned Application No. 63/685,884 with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Adams, Jonathan
• Cain, Douglas
• Wertz, Evan
• Puia, Joseph

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-041724-130858
• 121148

Stichwort

• Grabber
• Foot drop
• Design
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Friction
• Toe guard

Advisor

• Ebadi, Alireza

Year

• 2024

Sponsor

• Massachusetts Space Grant Consortium
• Dr. John Marmarou (810 MS Specialty Center)

Date created

• 2024-04-17

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Mechanical Engineering

Source

• E-project-041724-130858

Rights statement

• In Copyright