Designing and evaluation of new dynamic prosthetic foot on transtibial amputees in a low resource setup

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 332
Author(s):  
Achintya Prakash ◽  
Ranjeet Kumar ◽  
Pooja Kumari
2010 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. H. Hsu ◽  
G. F. Huang ◽  
C. T. Lu ◽  
D. Y. Hong ◽  
S. H. Liu

This article proposes a type of transtibial socket composed of an inner layer fabricated by a rapid prototyping (RP) machine and an outer layer coated with unsaturated polyester resin. This work integrates contemporary technologies including a handheld scanner and CAD systems, to design a thin primary socket shape and then manufactures the socket using a fused deposition-modeling machine. To prevent breakage caused by the layer-based forming process and to reinforce flexural strength, the current research coats the preliminary RP socket with a layer of unsaturated polyester resin. After shaping the proximal brim of the resin-reinforced RP socket to match the specific stump, this study assembles and aligns a shank and a prosthetic foot to form a prosthesis set. After completing a trial safety walk wearing the prosthesis, which is satisfactory to the amputee and a registered prosthetist, this research measures interface pressures between the stump and the resin-reinforced RP socket. Experiment results demonstrate that the resin-reinforced RP socket is applicable for transtibial amputees. In addition to strengthening the FDM socket and producing consistent socket fit, this study also demonstrates a feasible procedure that employs current technologies to design and manufacture transtibial sockets without plaster moulds.


Author(s):  
Michelle Roland ◽  
Peter G. Adamczyk ◽  
Michael E. Hahn

The calculated roll-over shape and respective radius of intact and prosthetic feet has been shown to be a useful measure of lower limb function during walking [1–2]. Hansen et al [3] reported that the roll-over radius, R, is constant over a range of speeds for the intact foot-ankle system. It may be assumed that the prosthetic foot R would also be constant with increased walking speed. Similarly, the angular stiffness of prosthetic feet is not likely to change with walking speed, as the material stiffness remains unchanged. However, the effective angular stiffness of the intact ankle may increase with the plantar flexor moment during the stance phase of gait, which typically increases in magnitude with walking speed.


Author(s):  
Travis J. Peterson ◽  
Michelle Roland ◽  
Peter Adamczyk ◽  
Michael E. Hahn

Matching a prosthetic foot to meet the activity requirements of the user can be a difficult process. The ideal stiffness characteristics of different functional activities may vary. This variation dictates that the prescribed foot must be a compromise of multiple ideals due to functional necessity. The effects of lower limb stiffness have been studied in regards to their ability to reproduce “normal” lower limb mechanics [1,2]. Other studies have tracked gait stability and performance measures for lower limb amputees during gait initiation and termination [3–5]. However, it remains unknown what effects prosthetic stiffness may have on amputee function during gait initiation and termination. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of different component stiffness ranges on locomotion and stability measures during gait initiation and termination


2018 ◽  
Vol 42 (5) ◽  
pp. 504-510 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin De Pauw ◽  
Pierre Cherelle ◽  
Bart Roelands ◽  
Dirk Lefeber ◽  
Romain Meeusen

Background: Evaluating the effectiveness of a novel prosthetic device during walking is an important step in product development. Objective: To investigate the efficacy of a novel quasi-passive ankle prosthetic device, Ankle Mimicking Prosthetic Foot 4.0, during walking at different speeds, using physiological determinants in transtibial and transfemoral amputees. Study design: Nonrandomized crossover design for amputees. Methods: Six able-bodied subjects, six unilateral transtibial amputees, and six unilateral transfemoral amputees underwent a 6-min walk test at normal speed, followed by series of 2-min walking at slow, normal, and fast speeds. The intensity of effort and subjective measures were determined. Amputees performed all walking tests on a treadmill with current and novel prostheses. Shapiro–Wilk normality tests and parametric and nonparametric tests were conducted (p < 0.05). Results: Compared to able-bodied individuals, the rating of perceived exertion levels were significantly elevated in transtibial and transfemoral amputees for both prostheses (p ≤ 0.016). Compared to able-bodied individuals transfemoral amputees also showed significantly elevated heart rate for both prostheses at normal speed (p ≤ 0.043). Within-group comparisons demonstrated that walking with Ankle Mimicking Prosthetic Foot significantly increased the heart rate in transfemoral amputees and transtibial compared to current prosthesis (p = 0.002). Furthermore, transfemoral amputees reached a significantly higher rating of perceived exertion levels. Conclusion: Intensity of effort during walking with Ankle Mimicking Prosthetic Foot is higher compared to current prostheses. Clinical relevance Ankle Mimicking Prosthetic Foot 4.0 is a novel quasi-passive ankle prosthesis with state-of-the-art technological parts. Subjective measures show the importance of this technology, but the intensity of effort during walking still remains higher compared to current passive prostheses, especially in transfemoral amputees.


2014 ◽  
Vol 39 (5) ◽  
pp. 380-389 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vibhor Agrawal ◽  
Robert S Gailey ◽  
Ignacio A Gaunaurd ◽  
Christopher O’Toole ◽  
Adam Finnieston ◽  
...  

Background:Comparative effectiveness of prosthetic feet during ramp ambulation in unilateral transtibial amputees, who function at different Medicare Functional Classification Levels, has not been published.Objective:To determine differences in symmetry in external work between four categories of prosthetic feet in K-Level-2 and K-Level-3 unilateral transtibial amputees during ramp ascent and descent.Study design:Randomized repeated-measures trial.Methods:Ten subjects completed six testing sessions during which symmetry in external work was calculated using F-scan in-sole sensors. Between testing sessions 1 and 2, subjects received standardized functional prosthetic training. In Sessions 3–6, subjects tested four feet—solid ankle cushion heel, stationary attachment flexible endoskeleton, Talux (categories K1, K2, and K3, respectively), and Proprio-Foot (microprocessor ankle)—using a study socket and had a 10- to 14-day accommodation period with each foot.Results:During ramp descent, K-Level-2 subjects demonstrated higher symmetry in external work values with Talux and Proprio-Foot compared to the solid ankle cushion heel foot. K-Level-3 subjects also had higher symmetry in external work values with the Talux foot than the solid ankle cushion heel foot. Ramp ascent symmetry in external work values were not significantly different between feet.Conclusions:Prosthetic foot category appears to influence symmetry in external work more during decline walking than incline walking. K-Level-2 unilateral transtibial amputees achieve greater symmetry from K3 dynamic response prosthetic feet with J-shaped ankle and microprocessor ankles while descending ramps.Clinical relevanceThe findings suggest that K-Level-2 unilateral transtibial amputees benefit from K3 dynamic response prosthetic feet with J-shaped ankle. These results support the prescription of K3 feet for K-Level-2 amputees who frequently negotiate ramps.


2013 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 253-262 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward S Neumann ◽  
Justin Brink ◽  
Kartheek Yalamanchili ◽  
Joon S Lee

Background and aim: The objective of this study was to demonstrate how a load cell and force–moment curves can be used outside of a gait lab to directly measure and evaluate the transverse plane loading moment on transtibial residual limbs. Technique: A load cell was attached distally to the socket of three transtibial amputees who walked a straight path and a circle of 3.048-m diameter with the prosthetic foot both inside and outside the curved path. Discussion: Compared to straight path walking, transverse plane moment decreased when the foot was on the outside of the curved path. When the foot was on the inside, the moment did not exceed that for straight path walking for two participants; maximum transverse moment was approximately 0.15 N m/kg of body mass. Force–moment curves indicated that each participant’s gait was unique, but underlying similarities were observed with respect to each of the three conditions. Clinical relevance A load cell in conjunction with curved and straight path walking and force–moment curves can be used outside of a gait lab to measure and examine the transverse plane loading on the residual limb.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (02) ◽  
pp. 1950071
Author(s):  
NOORANIDA ARIFIN ◽  
NOOR AZUAN ABU OSMAN ◽  
SADEEQ ALI

Individuals with transtibial amputation exhibit altered movement strategy to sustain stability during quiet standing due to reduced proprioception on the amputated limb. The aim of this study is to determine the movement strategies in anterior–posterior and medial–lateral directions in predicting the overall postural stability. In this crossover study, postural stability of ten transtibial amputees was assessed using computed posturography while wearing different prosthetic foot types: solid ankle cushion heel (SACH), single axis (SA) and energy storage and return (ESAR). Three stability indices were measured during four conditions: standing with eyes opened and closed, standing on compliant surface and standing with tilted head. From the standard multiple regression analysis, 63% to 99% of the OSI score in all sensory conditions were explained from the MLSI score, while 11% to 56% from the APSI score. The Pearson’s [Formula: see text] indicated significant strong positive relationship between OSI and MLSI [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] during all sensory conditions. The APSI score was significantly lower than OSI during eyes-closed and head extended conditions for all prosthetic feet [Formula: see text]. Adjustments in postural stability strategies in transtibial amputees mostly occurred in medial–lateral direction regardless of prosthetic feet types and altered sensory conditions.


2016 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 387-392 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noah J Rosenblatt ◽  
Angela Bauer ◽  
Mark D Grabiner

Background:Individuals with transtibial amputation are at increase risk of falling. The absence of an ankle joint and the associated musculature in these individuals can reduce clearance between the prosthetic foot and ground during the swing phase of gait, which may increase the risk of stumbling and in turn falling.Objectives:To associate minimum toe clearance during gait in the laboratory with community-based, trip-related stumbles by individuals with transtibial amputation using conventional feet.Study design:Prospective cohort design; following quantitative gait analysis, participants completed electronic surveys to prospectively report stumbles and falls for 1 year thereafter.Methods:General community with gait analysis conducted within a motion analysis laboratory and prospective tracking of stumbles occurring in the community. A volunteer sample of eight unilateral, transtibial amputees that were K3 or K4 level ambulators and current patients at a local prosthetic clinic. All participants completed the entire 1-year follow-up study. Prosthetic-side minimum toe clearance while walking on a level treadmill at self-selected speed and self-reported trip-related stumbles in the community. Minimum toe clearance was defined as a local minimum of the vertical displacement of the toe from toe-off to heelstrike relative to its position during midstance.Results:Prosthetic-side minimum toe clearance was more than 50% lower for participants who reported one or more trip-related stumbles on that side compared with participants who reported zero trip-related stumbles on the prosthetic side (minimum toe clearance = 12.3 ± 0.8 mm vs 25.6 ± 5.4 mm, respectively; p = 0.036).Conclusion:This is the first study relating laboratory-based measures to prospective stumbles by prosthesis users. The results suggest that prosthesis users with low minimum toe clearance may be at increased risk of experiencing a trip-related stumble in the community. Given that frequent stumbling increases the risk of falling, future work is warranted on the effectiveness of interventions focused on minimum toe clearance on reducing fall risk.Clinical relevanceInterventions to increase minimum toes clearance, which could include prescription of active dorsiflexing prostheses or gait training, may help reduce the risk of trip-related falls for individuals who report a history of trip-related stumbles.


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