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Foot mass effect on gait in the prosthetic limb
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
|June 1, 1977
Summary
Adding weight to prosthetic feet did not significantly alter gait parameters in amputee patients. Further research is needed to understand the biomechanics of prosthetic limb mass.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Prosthetics
- Gait Analysis
Background:
- Prosthetic limb design aims to restore natural function.
- The mass of prosthetic components can influence user biomechanics and gait.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of increased prosthetic foot mass on gait parameters in amputee patients.
- To determine if adding weight to a prosthetic foot affects walking patterns.
Main Methods:
- Patients with amputations participated in the study.
- Artificial mass (113.4 gm and 226.8 gm) was added to the prosthetic foot.
- Gait parameters were systematically observed and recorded.
Main Results:
- No significant changes in gait parameters were observed after adding mass to the prosthetic foot.
- The added mass of the prosthetic foot did not appear to influence the patients' walking ability.
Conclusions:
- Increasing the mass of a prosthetic foot, within the tested range, does not demonstrably alter gait parameters.
- The biomechanical effects of prosthetic foot mass require further investigation.