Characterizing the interaction effects of modular components on transtibial prosthesis stance-phase mechanical...

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Prosthetics Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Limited data exists on mechanical interactions between prosthetic feet and proximal components.
• Prosthetic mechanical properties significantly influence user experience.

Purpose of the Study:

• Quantify the stance phase mechanical behavior of a transtibial prosthetic system.
• Investigate the effects of adding passive modular components to a dynamic response (DR) foot.

Main Methods:

• Mechanical characterization using a materials test machine and a test rig.
• Tested 12 conditions combining a DR foot with hydraulic ankles and shock-absorbing pylons (SAPs) at different settings.
• Measured maximum displacement, energy return, and roll-over shape during simulated stance phases.

Main Results:

• Modular components independently and interactively affected displacement and energy return.
• Hydraulic ankles and SAPs generally reduced energy return but altered displacement.
• Roll-over shape exhibited nonlinear responses with the addition of modular components.

Conclusions:

• Modular components introduce complex mechanical interactions affecting prosthetic system response.
• Clinicians should understand these cumulative effects for effective prosthetic tuning.
• Combinations of hydraulic ankles and SAPs aid in balancing user comfort and energy return.