Roll-Over Shape–Based Design of Novel Biomimetic Ankle-Foot Prosthesis

This study aimed to design the mechanical properties of ankle-foot prostheses to achieve specific ROSs during gait. Methods The authors developed a mathematical model that, when used in combination with ground reaction force and shank angle experimental data, predicts the ROS created by the novel Compliant and Articulating Prosthetic Ankle (CAPA) foot. The CAPA consists of four articulating components connected by torsion springs. Able-bodied individuals walked wearing a prosthetic simulator with the solid ankle cushioned heel foot, a dynamic response foot (the Renegade AT), and versions of the CAPA with distinctly different predicted ROSs. The experimental ROS of each trial was presented, and quantitative ROS characteristics were evaluated for statistical significance. Predicted and experimental shapes for each version of the CAPA were compared by computing the distance between the shapes and ROS characteristics. Finally, we evaluated whether our method predicts the same ROS regardless of the experimental data used for the prediction. Results Changes to the mechanical properties of the CAPA resulted in statistically significant differences in ROS characteristics, notably forward position, forward length, and orientation (P
Source: JPO Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics - Category: Orthopaedics Tags: ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLES Source Type: research