Ankle sprains are the most common injury in the world’s largest sport; soccer. The current prevention methods such as ankle braces are ineffective due to its bulkiness, excessive movement, and lack of..
Ankle sprains are the most common injury in the world’s largest sport; soccer. The current prevention methods such as ankle braces are ineffective due to its bulkiness, excessive movement, and lack of comfort. Engineered for athletes, by athletes, a 3D printed, customizable, and thin ankle brace was designed specifically for soccer players to limit inversion and eversion ankle sprains but allow natural range of motion. The specifications of the improved ankle brace are designed to allow the material properties to apply a restoring force as it reaches the exceeding ranges of motion for ankle sprains without hindering athletic performance. This brace is made to contain a geometric mesh design that combines the benefits of the classic ankle brace stirrup concept with 3D printing and modern material science to produce a customized ankle brace lighter, more malleable, and thinner than competitors and existing approaches while still allowing the athlete to perform at maximum potential. The brace will be tested and worn by soccer players upon completion of the final model. The ultimate objective is to produce a working product to be available in the commercial market for purchasing based on the provided research, experimental testing, 3D printing, and material properties.