Functional performance differences between carbon fiber and fiberglass prosthetic feet

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Prosthetics and Orthotics
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Individuals with lower limb amputations require advanced prosthetic functionality for active lifestyles.
• Energy storage and return (ESR) prosthetic feet, typically made of carbon fiber, are common for active amputees.
• A novel fiberglass composite prosthetic foot has recently entered the market, necessitating comparative performance analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the biomechanical performance of a new fiberglass prosthetic foot against traditional carbon fiber ESR designs.
• To evaluate the impact of the fiberglass prosthetic foot on prosthesis-related quality of life.

Main Methods:

• A repeated-measures randomized cross-over trial design was employed.
• Gait analysis was conducted on 10 male subjects with unilateral transtibial amputations (K-level III) on level ground and ramps.
• Patient-reported outcomes were assessed using the Prosthesis Evaluation Questionnaire.

Main Results:

• The fiberglass foot demonstrated significantly increased ankle dorsiflexion and power generation (P < .01) without altering knee flexion timing.
• Greater energy absorption (P = .01) was observed with the fiberglass foot, while energy return remained comparable (P = .37).
• Subjects reported a significantly improved prosthesis-related quality of life when using the fiberglass foot (P = .01).

Conclusions:

• The novel fiberglass prosthetic foot exhibits superior biomechanical performance compared to traditional carbon fiber ESR designs.
• The fiberglass ESR foot enhances ankle function and energy absorption, contributing to improved patient-reported quality of life.