Progress Report Title: Active Ankle/Foot Orthotic (AFO) to Enhance Walking and Balance Names: Jessica Hause: Co-leader Erin Main: Co-leader Emily Andrews: Communicator Josh White: BSAC Tony Schuler: BWIG Date: January 26, 2007 – February 2, 2007 Problem Statement: Create a device that actively enhances forefoot step-off and increases proprioception to improve balance for people experiencing ankle weakness, foot-drop and the inability to walk and balance safely as a result of various neurological diseases such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, multiple sclerosis and stroke. The device should be non-obtrusive, fit in a shoe, comfortably attach to the leg, and be economical. Restatement of Team Goals: • Continue brainstorming ideas for our product • Meet with client • Create a list of problems that current AFO’s have • Talk to current AFO users and discuss with them any complaints about they have about products that are currently on the market Individual Goals: Erin Main: Progress Report, research existing spring materials, brainstorm Jessica Hause: Complete PDS, research anatomy of the foot, brainstorm Josh White: Establish a budget, research walking, brainstorm Tony Schuler: Work on team website, reseach foot anatomy, brainstorm Emily Andrews: BSAC meeting, research walking, brainstorm Summary of Accomplishments: • Researched existing AFO’s • Researched disabilities associated with foot drop-off • Established a list of questions for our client • Met with client • Met with patient • Established the major goals of our project and developed a better understanding of our client’s wants and needs • Were given a first-hand view into foot-drop off and how it affects a patients movement • Brainstormed major project ideas as well as minor details we would like to see in our final project• Established a list of problems with existing AFO’s • Continued working on PDS • Set up an appointment to meet with a PT who specializes in foot drop-off Statement of Team Goals: • Continue brainstorming ideas for our project • Research existing spring materials for our orthotic • Begin to establish three major project ideas • Meet with a PT who specializes in foot drop-off • Continue with questions for our client and patient • Research foot and ankle anatomy • Research the major muscles, nerves, and pressure points involved in walking Project Schedule: Difficulties: Our team had very few difficulties this week. As soon as we were able to get in contact with our client, we were able to get a great start on our project. However, we have yet to establish a budget for our project or determine where our money will be coming from. This could pose a problem if we aren’t able to establish a budget before we begin finalizing our design plans. In addition, our team is only beginning to understand the impact our device will have on a patient’s movement and thus, we have made plans to meet with a physical therapist, and research foot anatomy and walking. Activities: Our team met for 2 hours during class with our client and patient at Memorial Union, we met again as a team for 2 hours on Sunday to brainstorm ideas, and each did 2 Task Jan February March April MayProject Research 26 2 9 16 23 2 9 16 23 30 6 13 20 27 4 Research Contact Patient Contact Client Meet with PT Brainstorming Design Develop Prototype Website Deliverables Mid-semester Presentation Mid-semester Report Final Presentation Final Report Progress Reports Meetings Semester Wrap-uphours of work individually. During our meeting with our client and patient, we established our major goals for the semester and got a better idea of our client’s wants and needs. In addition, we were given a first-hand view into how foot-drop off affects a patients walking. On Sunday, we used the information gathered on Friday to thoughts and ideas as well as a new list of questions for our client. 2/9/2007 Team: Met with client and Patient 2 hours Individual: Brainstormed 1 hour (each) 2/11/2007 Team: Had a team meeting to brainstorm ideas based on the new information gathered from our client 2 hours 2/13/2007 Tony: Worked on team website 1 hour Erin: Worked on PDS 1 hour 2/14/2007 Emily: Researched existing spring materials 1 hour 2/15/2007 Jess: Progress Report, researched foot anatomy 1 hour 2/11/2007- Josh: Established a meeting with PT 1 hour 2/15/2007 Team Total: 30
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