The biomechanical effects of 3D-printed ankle-foot orthosis in individuals with unilateral foot drop
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2026-01-01
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10400435
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19493614
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2-s2.0-105042724554
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Assistive Technology
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SCOPUS
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Assistive Technology (2026)
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Rayothee P., Niamsang W., Manupibul U., Apidech H., Setthasiriwuti N., Prajakrattanakit T., Anantawate T., Moongkoonkumsao P., Akarasereenont P., Srisangval N., Luangviset S., Nimyam S., Wisessint A., Samala M. The biomechanical effects of 3D-printed ankle-foot orthosis in individuals with unilateral foot drop. Assistive Technology (2026). doi:10.1080/10400435.2026.2689528 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/117783
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The biomechanical effects of 3D-printed ankle-foot orthosis in individuals with unilateral foot drop
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Thermoplastic ankle-foot orthotics (AFOs) effectively manage foot drop but are time-intensive to fabricate, while 3D printing offers a faster, customizable alternative with promising early results. However, broader adoption requires further clinical evidence on biomechanical efficacy and user satisfaction, particularly for novel 3D-printed AFOs. This study compared the biomechanical effects of a 3D-printed ankle–foot orthosis (3D-AFO) with a standard thermoplastic AFO (S-AFO) during walking in individuals with unilateral foot drop and evaluated user satisfaction. Nine participants were assessed while walking barefoot, with S-AFO and 3D-AFO conditions. Gait was analyzed using a three-dimensional optical motion-capture system, and satisfaction was measured using the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology (QUEST 2.0). The 3D-AFO significantly increased walking speed (0.62 v.s. 0.42 m/s barefoot; p = 0.040) and improved satisfaction regarding device dimensions (p = 0.014) and comfort (p = 0.020). SPM analysis showed both AFOs improved ankle kinematic symmetry during initial and terminal swing phases, with no significant differences at the hip or knee. Overall, the 3D-AFO improves patient satisfaction, walking speed, and ankle kinematics compared to barefoot walking. These results demonstrate that 3D-AFOs are a clinically viable and effective alternative to traditionally made S-AFOs for individuals with unilateral foot drop.