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Biomechanical evaluation of a prototype foot/ankle prosthesis
P M Quesada1, M Pitkin, J Colvin
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Louisville, KY 40292, USA.
IEEE Transactions on Rehabilitation Engineering : a Publication of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society
|April 25, 2000
Summary
This study evaluated a novel foot/ankle prosthesis prototype for below-knee amputees. The prototype aims to improve gait by reducing ankle stiffness and increasing knee motion during walking.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Prosthetics Engineering
- Gait Analysis
Background:
- Traditional prostheses may not fully restore natural gait mechanics.
- Below-knee amputees often experience altered joint dynamics during walking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To pilot evaluate a prototype foot/ankle prosthesis designed to modify ankle and knee joint behavior during gait.
- To compare the biomechanical effects of the prototype against a standard Solid Ankle Cushioned Heel (SACH) prosthesis.
Main Methods:
- A single below-knee amputee volunteer was fitted with the prototype prosthesis and a SACH prosthesis.
- Lower extremity kinematics and kinetics during walking were measured using motion analysis and force platforms.
- Prosthetic ankle joint stiffness, knee range of motion, and joint power were analyzed.
Main Results:
- The prototype demonstrated potential for decreased ankle joint stiffness during mid-stance.
- Increased knee range of motion during stance was observed with the prototype.
- Direct comparisons of joint moments and power between the prostheses were obtained.
Conclusions:
- The prototype foot/ankle prosthesis shows promise for improving gait biomechanics in below-knee amputees.
- Further research with a larger cohort is warranted to validate these findings.
- The design's ability to alter ankle and knee dynamics merits continued investigation.