Conceptual design of a compliant hip orthosis for Trendelenburg gait

Abstract

Trendelenburg gait is an abnormal gait that occurs when hip abduction muscles are weakened. These weakened muscles cannot deliver enough force to prevent the pelvis from drooping when standing on one leg. This results in an abnormal gait where the upper body sways from left to right to keep the center of gravity above the standing foot. Besides standing out from other people when walking, this causes problems at the hip joint, knees, and ankles. This thesis presents a conceptual design of a compliant hip orthosis to prevent Trendelenburg gait. The design has a high adduction over flexion-extension stiffness ratio, meaning that the upper body is supported while walking is still possible. Also, the design exerts minimal shear forces on the human body, increasing comfort, and does not protrude from the body, making it aesthetically more appealing.