Piloting a Novel Computational Framework for Identifying Prosthesis-Specific Contributions to Gait Deviations.

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Prosthetics Engineering
• Gait Analysis

Background:

• Gait deviation studies in above-knee prostheses face challenges in separating device-specific from patient-specific influences.
• Accurate assessment of prosthetic impact on gait is crucial for effective rehabilitation and device design.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel computational framework for evaluating above-knee prostheses.
• To distinguish between prosthesis-specific and patient-specific contributions to gait deviations.
• To assess the impact of prosthesis design on a user's ability to achieve ideal gait kinematics.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a three-model computational framework to quantify necessary gait dynamic changes.
• Employed a two-dimensional swing-phase model in a pilot study for conceptual demonstration.
• Quantified the extent to which prosthesis design influences the replication of able-bodied gait dynamics.

Main Results:

• The framework conceptually demonstrates the ability to differentiate prosthesis-specific gait impacts.
• The pilot study illustrated how the framework assesses design influence on gait replication.
• The approach provides a method to evaluate how different prosthetic designs affect gait deviations.

Conclusions:

• The proposed computational framework offers a novel approach to evaluating above-knee prostheses.
• This method can potentially optimize passive prosthetic devices for individual patients.
• The framework may reduce the need for extensive real-life experiments and clinic visits, aiding rehabilitation.