Stair ascent with an innovative microprocessor-controlled exoprosthetic knee joint

Area of Science:

• Biomechanical engineering
• Prosthetics and orthotics
• Rehabilitation science

Background:

• Stair climbing is challenging for above-knee amputees due to motor deficits and prosthetic limitations.
• Conventional prosthetic methods for stair ascent are less efficient and can increase stress on the body.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the biomechanical efficiency of the Genium microprocessor-controlled prosthetic knee for step-over-step stair climbing in above-knee amputees.
• To compare the new method with conventional stair-climbing techniques.

Main Methods:

• A biomechanical study involving above-knee amputees using the Genium prosthetic knee.
• Objective gait measurements, including joint kinematics and kinetics, were recorded during stair ascent.
• Analysis of stress on the residual limb and contralateral limb.

Main Results:

• Step-over-step stair climbing with the Genium knee is more biomechanically efficient than conventional methods.
• Reduced mechanical power generation is required from the contralateral knee joint.
• Near-normal loading of the hip joint on the amputated side was observed.

Conclusions:

• The Genium prosthetic knee enables intuitive and biomechanically efficient step-over-step stair climbing for above-knee amputees.
• This technology reduces physical stress on the amputee's musculoskeletal system.
• The findings support the use of advanced prosthetic knees for improved mobility and function.