A New Modeling Method to Characterize the Stance Control Function of Prosthetic Knee Joints

Biomechanical models can inform design and optimization of prosthetic devices by connecting empirically derived biomechanical data to device design parameters. A new method is presented to characterize the function of prosthetic stance control under mobility conditions associated with activities of daily living. The method is based on a model of the gait modes corresponding to finite stance control states.

Empirical data from amputee and simulated gait were acquired using a custom-built wearable instrument and input into the model.

The modeling approach was shown to be robust, responsive, and capable of accurate characterization of controller function under diverse locomotor and prosthetic setup conditions.

Future work is focused on the development of a fully self-contained wearable system, to facilitate collection of large datasets across a variety of user demographics, controller designs, and activities of daily living.

The method offers predictive capability, which can assist in the virtual testing of new designs or modifications.