Low limb prostheses and complex human prosthetic interaction: A systematic literature review

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Rehabilitation Technology
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• Powered prostheses have significantly improved quality of life for individuals with lower limb amputations.
• Technological progress in mobility, comfort, and design is crucial for users.
• Prosthetic design depends on amputation level, user morphology, and human-prosthetic interaction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review technologies in powered lower limb prostheses.
• To identify the latest advances, challenges, and opportunities in the field.
• To propose a framework for future research and development.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of significant papers on powered lower limb prostheses.
• Analysis of technologies including advanced materials, control systems, electronics, energy management, signal processing, and artificial intelligence.
• Examination of powered prostheses for walking in different terrains, considering electronics, automatic control, and energy efficiency.

Main Results:

• Identified a lack of a generalized structure for developing powered prostheses.
• Highlighted gaps in energy management and smoother patient interaction.
• Introduced the concept of Human Prosthetic Interaction (HPI) to address user-device communication.

Conclusions:

• Future powered prosthesis development requires a structured approach.
• Addressing energy management and improving Human Prosthetic Interaction are key areas for advancement.
• Further research is needed to establish standardized components and steps for improved prosthetic design and user integration.