Ankle Modeling and Simulation in the Context of Sport Activities

Abstract

This paper presents a general framework for the use of modeling and simulation software combined with the 3D printer industry to be used in the sports world in the event of accidents being able to quickly create orthoses. It is shown that with the help of modeling and simulation software one can model and simulate the ankle movement so that later an orthosis can be made as faithful as it can be used. It is presented the fact that practicing in inappropriate conditions of sport presents many health risks. Among the most common mistakes were: incorrect heating of the muscles, improper hydration, intense workouts and execution in exercise rounds without the guidance of a trainer. Starting from these aspects, the research presented in this paper began. The evolution of the prostheses is presented historically and then a classification is made according to the fundamental characteristics from a functional point of view. It also presents the medical conditions in which it is necessary to use a prosthesis. There is presented a modeling and simulation performed in Matlab of the ankle movement so that later it will serve as a starting point to be able to perform a more accurate modeling of a prosthesis with the help of specialized software. To achieve the Matlab model it is considered that the ankle is similar to a 5-foot Stewart platform. To develop the mathematical driving model for this, the Denavit-Hartenberg model was developed for one of the legs. Taking into account in the first instance the medical conditions that must be fulfilled for the realization of a prosthesis, then the mathematical models and the simulations that can be realized with the help of specialized software can be realized prostheses as accurately as possible with the help of the new technologies of 3D printing.