Skip to main content

Water resistant boot for walking casts

Design Award

  • Tong Biomedical Design Award Winner

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.

Team Picture

Team members from left to right: Lucas Schimmelpfenning, Joe Benert, Taylor Jasaczewski, and Jay Kler
Team members from left to right: Lucas Schimmelpfenning, Joe Benert, Taylor Jasaczewski, and Jay Kler

Files

Contact Information

Team Members

  • Taylor Jaraczewski - Team Leader
  • Lucas Schimmelpfenning - Communicator
  • Baljit Kler - BSAC
  • Joseph Benert - BWIG

Advisor and Client

  • Prof. Tracy Jane Puccinelli - Advisor
  • Donita Croft - Client
  • Wendy Stewart - Alternate Contact

Related Projects

Back to Top