Abstract
Carbon fiber running-specific prostheses (RSP) are widely used among lower-limb amputee runners. However, which prosthesis provides the best performance for a runner remains as an unanswered question. In this purpose, a computational model of the human body with prosthesis was created and the effect of prosthetic parameters on performance was investigated. Firstly, motion capture systems were used to collect data from the amputee running motion. Marker data and force plate data were obtained to create a digital human model. Kinematic data such as length of limbs, joint angles, etc. were calculated by using marker data. Then, inertial properties were estimated to conduct forward and inverse dynamic analyses. After building a computational model of amputee sprinting, joint positions and ground reaction forces (GRF) were compared with experimental results. The design parameters of the prosthesis were introduced to understand the effect of prosthesis on motion and performance. Response surface method was used to express motion adaption regarding geometry and stiffness of the prosthesis. Hip and knee sagittal joint angles were updated based on the response surface method to simulate joint motion adaptations of prosthesis worn. Then, average horizontal velocity, horizontal velocity change over one period, vertical and horizontal impulse was considered as performance functions. An evaluation parameter was proposed to generalize the idea of performance. Prosthetic knee moment and closest point of the prosthesis to the ground during the swing phase were defined as design constraints to consider knee-buckling and tripping of the prosthetic leg, respectively. The effect of design parameters on the performance and constraint functions was investigated. A method to determine and design suitable prostheses for an individual was proposed. It was revealed that the selection and design of prostheses holds an important place to increase performance.