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Ankle Exercise Device

Footfizz, a biofeedback-based isokinetic exercise device, is a mobile device that can be easily used to strengthen the ankle.

Product Features

The Device’s Mechanism of Action and Our Goal

With Robotic Ankle Exerciser

1. If ankle strengthening is to be done, the way it works and the mechanism of action is different. Stretching exercises should not be performed with the device.
2. If active movement is to be revealed, the way it works and the mechanism of action is different.
3. If exercise is to be done for contraction, the way it works and the mechanism of action is different.

1- Exercises for Strengthening the Ankle;
The individual connects to the device. The device makes the ankle push and pull. The power range that we want the individual to apply in terms of pushing or pulling is entered into the interface of the device. When the individual applies more or less force on the ankle than the desired power range, the device gives an audible and visual warning. This strengthening exercise is an isokinetic exercise. Isokinetic exercises have been proven to be very effective in strengthening muscles. During this exercise, the individual has to concentrate on the ankle. When his attention is distracted, he cannot apply force within the desired range. A very intense command has to go from the brain to the ankle pushing and pulling muscles. Since the brain’s work in the ankle region will increase, neuroplasticity in that region will increase and the processing capacity of that region will increase. The ankle will be controlled more quickly by the brain and the muscles there will become stronger.
2- In Exercises to Reveal Active Movement in the Ankle;
The individual first connects to the device. It is determined at what range of motion the ankle will work. The device passively performs the pushing and pulling movements of the ankle. Meanwhile, the screen shows how much force is applied while pushing and pulling the ankle. If the individual participates in the movement while pulling, he sees that he is making this movement on the screen. Similarly, when he makes the pushing movement with active participation, he sees that he is making this movement again. Individuals with active movement weakness cannot participate in movement in every range of motion, so this damaged area in the brain cannot give the body the active movement command. This region, which is supposed to give orders to the brain but cannot give orders due to damage, is exposed to negative neuroplasticity due to not being able to give orders due to not working. While working with the robotic exercise device, the brain has the opportunity to participate in movement at all angles, thus getting the chance to give movement orders to the ankle region at all angles and transforming negative neuroplasticity into positive neuroplasticity. After these studies, there is an increase in active movement in the ankle.
3- The Effect of Passive Exercises in Teaching Movement to the Brain
The brain receives the position information of the body thanks to the sensory sensors that transfer the position information in the joints and muscles, processes it and orders active movement in this direction. If some of the remaining parts of the brain take over the task of this damaged sensory part, the contraction is resolved. Neuroplasticity (shape changing of the brain) feature is used to ensure that the remaining intact areas can take over the task. When a lot of position data is sent from the body to the brain, neuroplasticity will accelerate and the regions that remain intact will undertake the task more easily. Passive exercises are performed on the device for the desired duration, at the desired speed, and by adjusting the amount of vibration given to the joint. In this way, there will be a much greater increase in neuroplasticity after the exercise than with manual exercises.