Biomechanical Measures for Fall Risk Assessment and Fall Detection in People with Transfemoral Amputations for the Next-Generation Prostheses: A Scoping Review

Conclusions Two classes of biomechanical markers for fall risk assessment have the potential to be incorporated in self-contained transfemoral powered prostheses equipped with sensory network and suitable computational capabilities. The first consists of kinematic/kinetic variables of some prosthesis components (e.g., foot acceleration, force loading the pylon, knee angle) to detect either an abrupt lack of balance or a fall-related occurrence as a consequence of knee buckling, slipping, or tripping. The second involves implementing automatic procedures to allow pwTFA to routinely carry out clinical tests, such as the timed up and go test and/or the Four Square Step Test to monitor the decline of sensory motor capabilities, likely documenting an increased fall risk. Clinical Relevance The next generation of powered prostheses could both monitor decline on neuromuscular capabilities and gather early signs of an acute lack of balance based on a suitable network of sensors on board. This approach is expected to prevent the fall risk in pwTFA.
Source: JPO Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics - Category: Orthopaedics Tags: REVIEW ARTICLES Source Type: research