Ankle Assist & AFO Solutions for
Foot Drop and Gait Training
Lightweight ankle exoskeleton and AFO series for stroke, SCI, and geriatric patients
- Targeted support for foot drop and weak dorsiflexion
- Suitable for stroke, SCI, and elderly patients in rehab and daily walking
- Multiple models: powered ankle assist and mechanical AFOs
- Designed for hospitals, rehab centers, and distributors
Why Ankle Assist Devices Matter in Rehabilitation
The Challenge
Patients struggle with toe clearance during swing phase, leading to tripping risks
Limited mobility prevents progression to independent walking
Static braces cannot adapt to changing patient needs or provide training data
Manual support is labor-intensive and limits training volume
Use Scenarios
Early gait retraining on parallel bars or treadmill
Provides consistent ankle support during initial mobility training with therapist supervision
Corridor walking training in rehab wards
Enables progressive overground training with reduced fall risk as patients advance
Long-term support for community or home ambulation
Daily-use AFOs provide ongoing foot drop correction for independent living
Combination with hip exoskeletons for full lower limb support
Integrates into complete gait rehabilitation systems for comprehensive treatment
Ankle Assist & AFO
Product Family
Three specialized solutions covering clinical training to daily use--choose the right device for each patient's rehabilitation stage
Powered Ankle Assist Device
For patients who need active dorsiflexion support during swing phase. Lightweight wearable device mounted around lower leg and foot with adjustable assistance levels to match patient strength. Suitable for treadmill and overground gait training.
- Active dorsiflexion assistance
- Adjustable support levels
- Real-time gait feedback
Adjustable AFO for Gait Training
Mechanical design with adjustable stiffness and range of motion. Supports controlled dorsiflexion and plantarflexion during training. Ideal for early-stage rehab when stability and safety are top priority. Can be used together with parallel bars, walkers, or therapists.
- Adjustable stiffness settings
- Controlled motion range
- Maximum stability focus
Daily Use AFO for Foot Drop
Designed for long-term daily use outside the rehab gym. Slim profile for wearing with regular shoes. Provides clear toe clearance and reduces tripping risk. Suitable for stroke, MS, and other chronic neurological conditions.
- Slim, discreet design
- Regular shoe compatible
- Long-term wear comfort
Key Technical Specifications
Detailed parameters to support your clinical decision-making and procurement planning
| Parameter | Powered Ankle Assist | Adjustable Training AFO | Daily Use AFO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Device weight | ~1.0-1.5 kg | ~0.8-1.2 kg | ~0.4-0.8 kg |
| Patient height | 150-190 cm (adjustable) | 150-190 cm | 150-190 cm |
| Max patient weight | Up to 120 kg | Up to 120 kg | Up to 120 kg |
| Assistance type | Active dorsiflexion support | Mechanical support & control | Passive support |
| Use scenario | Clinical gait training | Clinical gait training | Daily community walking |
| Fitting time | ~5-10 minutes | ~5-10 minutes | ~3-5 minutes |
| Compatible footwear | Training shoes | Training shoes | Regular walking shoes |
Clinical Use Design
All devices designed for repeated clinical use in rehab environments
Adjustable Components
Adjustable straps and sizing components to fit a wide range of patients
System Integration
Can be integrated into a broader lower limb rehab program with hip and gait trainer devices
Clinical Benefits and
Typical Use Flow
Clinical Benefits
Improved Safety & Toe Clearance
Improves toe clearance and reduces tripping risk in foot drop patients, enabling safer mobility training and daily ambulation
Increased Training Volume
Enables more repetitions per session compared with manual ankle support, accelerating motor learning and functional recovery
Faster Progression to Independence
Helps patients transition from parallel bars to independent walking faster by providing consistent, reliable ankle support
Reduced Therapist Burden
Reduces therapist physical effort in supporting the ankle and foot, allowing focus on higher-level gait training strategies
Typical Use Flow
Initial Assessment
- Therapist evaluates ankle strength, range of motion, and gait pattern
- Chooses the appropriate model (powered / training AFO / daily AFO)
Fitting & Training
- Device fitted and adjusted in 5-10 minutes
- Gait training performed on treadmill or corridor with progressive difficulty
Progression & Handover
- As control improves, patient may transition from training AFO to daily AFO
- Therapist updates goals and documents changes in gait quality
Why Distributors Add
Ankle Assist Devices to Their Portfolio
Lower Entry Price Point
Lower price point makes ankle devices an easy entry product for new customers, reducing initial purchase barriers and accelerating sales cycles
High Attachment Rate
Usually sold together with gait trainers or hip exoskeletons, increasing average order value and creating complete solution packages
Wide Patient Range
Suitable for a wide range of rehab and neurology departments, from acute stroke units to long-term geriatric care facilities
Recurring Revenue Stream
Strong recurring demand due to wear, replacement, and upgrades, establishing predictable revenue streams over time
Recommended Package Configuration
Market as a complete "Lower Limb Rehabilitation Package" to maximize value and clinical impact
- • Addresses full spectrum of lower limb rehabilitation needs
- • Higher total contract value with better margin structure
- • Positions you as complete solution provider, not just equipment vendor
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to help you make informed decisions about ankle assist devices
Which patients are suitable for the ankle assist and AFO series?
The ankle assist and AFO series are primarily designed for patients with foot drop and weak ankle control, including:
- • Stroke survivors with hemiparesis affecting ankle dorsiflexion
- • Spinal cord injury patients with incomplete lower limb paralysis
- • Peripheral nerve injury cases (e.g., peroneal nerve damage)
- • Elderly patients with age-related gait impairments and foot drop
Final suitability should be assessed by a rehabilitation physician or physical therapist based on individual patient condition, strength levels, and rehabilitation goals.
Can the devices be used outside the hospital?
Daily Use AFO: Yes, the daily use AFO is specifically designed for long-term use in community and home environments. It provides consistent foot drop correction for independent living and can be worn with regular walking shoes.
Powered Ankle Assist & Training AFO: These models are recommended for use under clinical supervision during rehabilitation sessions. They are optimized for intensive gait training on treadmills, parallel bars, and in therapy corridors.
Your rehabilitation team will determine the appropriate device and usage context based on the patient's functional level, safety considerations, and treatment goals.
How long does it take to fit the device?
Fitting times vary by device type:
- • Daily Use AFO: Approximately 3-5 minutes for initial fitting and adjustment
- • Powered Ankle Assist & Training AFO: Approximately 5-10 minutes including strap adjustment and calibration
These quick fitting times make the devices practical for daily clinical use, allowing therapists to efficiently transition patients between different training activities without significant setup delays.
What about cleaning and maintenance?
All ankle assist and AFO devices are designed for easy maintenance in clinical settings:
- • Soft components: External padding and straps are removable and machine washable or can be hand-washed with mild detergent
- • Hard components: Metal and plastic structural parts can be wiped down with standard medical disinfectant wipes or solutions
- • Regular inspection: Check fasteners, connection points, and adjustment mechanisms periodically to ensure secure fit and proper function
Detailed cleaning protocols and maintenance schedules are provided in the user manual. For intensive clinical use, we recommend weekly inspection and monthly detailed maintenance checks.
Ready to Add Ankle Assist Solutions
to Your Portfolio?
For distributors: Expand your lower limb rehab offering with proven ankle solutions that complement your existing product line and create complete rehabilitation packages.
For hospitals: Start with a small batch of ankle devices to support your gait training program and provide better outcomes for foot drop patients.