Water resistant boot for walking casts
Project Overview
Serial casting is frequently used for improving the range of motion of contracted joints, which occur with illnesses such as cerebral palsy. This form of therapy uses an adjustable fiberglass cast to cause flexion of the joint in question. Typically, the angle of flexion is increased on a weekly basis for 6-8 weeks. After this time, the cast is removed. During the therapy, activity is not limited for the patient; however, because the casts are not made to withstand inclement weather, it is difficult to keep them clean and water free. While water will not harm the cast, it can get inside and cause tissue degeneration. Currently commercial products are available for underwater activities such as bathing and swimming (use of these products are frequently discouraged by cast technicians and therapists); however, these products are typically not conducive to outdoor activities. Thus, it is the design team’s goal to create a cover for the cast that can both change shape/size (due to the weekly adjustment of the cast), as well as create a hydrophobic covering for the cast.
Images
Team members from left to right: Lucas Schimmelpfenning, Joe Benert, Taylor Jasaczewski, and Jay Kler
Files
Project Files
Contact Information
Team Members
- Taylor Jaraczewski - Team Leader
- Lucas Schimmelpfenning - Communicator
- Baljit Kler - BSAC
- Joseph Benert - BWIG
Advisor and Client
- Tracy Puccinelli - Advisor
- Dr. Donita Croft - Client
