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Engineering Platform and Experimental Protocol for Design and Evaluation of a Neurally-controlled Powered Transfemoral Prosthesis
Published on: July 22, 2014
Comparing a passive-elastic and a powered prosthesis in transtibial amputees
Chiara Mancinelli1, Benjamin L Patritti, Peppino Tropea
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital,Boston, MA 02114, USA. cmancinelli@partners.org
Summary
Powered prosthetic feet improve walking for transtibial amputees. These advanced devices reduce oxygen consumption and enhance ankle function, leading to a more natural and efficient gait compared to passive prostheses.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Rehabilitation Science
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Passive-elastic foot prostheses limit biologically-realistic gait in transtibial amputees, causing balance issues and high oxygen consumption.
- Powered prostheses offer a potential solution to overcome limitations of passive devices and improve ambulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the gait biomechanics and metabolic cost of a powered prosthesis (PowerFoot Biom) versus a traditional passive-elastic prosthesis (Ceterus) in transtibial amputees.
Main Methods:
- Gait analysis and metabolic cost measurements were conducted on 5 transtibial amputees during level-ground walking.
- Comparison between the PowerFoot Biom and the Ceterus prosthesis.
Main Results:
- The powered prosthesis (PowerFoot Biom) resulted in an average decrease of 8.4% in oxygen consumption compared to the passive prosthesis (Ceterus).
- Peak ankle power generation during late stance increased by an average of 54% with the powered prosthesis.
- Improvements in ankle kinematics and kinetics were observed during late stance with the powered prosthesis.
Conclusions:
- Powered prosthetic feet show potential for significantly improving ambulation in transtibial amputees.
- Reduced metabolic cost and enhanced ankle function suggest a more biologically-realistic gait pattern is achievable with powered prostheses.
