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Adaptive microcomputer control of an artificial knee in level walking
Journal of Biomedical Engineering
|April 1, 1983
Summary
This study introduces a microcomputer-controlled prosthesis that uses leg movement signals to adjust knee damping. This advanced prosthetic control system reduces muscular effort and improves gait symmetry for amputees.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Rehabilitation Technology
- Prosthetics and Orthotics
Background:
- Conventional prosthetic knee control systems often lack adaptability to varying walking conditions.
- Improving prosthetic function requires optimizing damping mechanisms to mimic natural knee biomechanics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate an experimental microcomputer-controlled prosthesis with adaptive knee damping.
- To assess the system's impact on muscular effort and gait symmetry in amputee users.
Main Methods:
- A microcomputer control system governed knee damping using kinematic signals from both legs.
- The control algorithm divided the walking cycle into ten stages, each with a specific damping level.
- Kinematic inputs were used for real-time stage identification and damping adjustment.
Main Results:
- The experimental prosthesis demonstrated reduced hip muscular effort on the prosthetic side compared to conventional valve systems.
- Improved gait symmetry was observed in the amputee test subject.
- The adaptive damping system effectively managed restraining moments at the knee based on the walking cycle stage.
Conclusions:
- Microcomputer-controlled prosthetic knee damping based on kinematic signals offers significant advantages over conventional systems.
- This technology enhances user mobility by reducing compensatory muscular effort and promoting a more symmetrical gait pattern.