Benefits of a Microprocessor Foot on Steeper Slopes

Malte Bellmann, Prof. Dr., CPO

A biomechanical study investigating the benefit caused by larger range of ankle motion of the prosthetic foot while walking on ramps will be presented. It will be discussed that on steeper slopes, a MPF with instant terrain adaptation and large ROM facilitates ascent in both TTA and TFA but descent in TTA only. For TFA, the prosthetic knee seems to be more important for slope descent than the foot.

Effect of Commercial Prosthetic Foot Stiffness on Intact Knee Loading, Foot- ankle Biomechanics, and User Perception

Elizabeth G. Halsne, PhD, CPO

This study examined if clinically-reasonable changes in commercial foot stiffness affect prosthetic foot biomechanics and intact limb knee loading, while keeping prosthetic alignment constant. It also sought to assess if prosthesis users were sensitive to changes in foot stiffness.

Ground Reaction Forces During Running and Walking with a Bimodal Run/walk Ankle Prosthesis

Kristin Perrin, CPO

This presentation will discuss a bimodal prosthetic foot that was designed to switch from a run to walk mode. Here we present findings demonstrating the ground reaction forces users experience when running and walking with this foot compared to daily use prostheses.

Impact of a Powered Prosthetic Ankle-foot Component on Musculoskeletal Pain and Function in Individuals with Transtibial Amputation

Cory Cacciola, MS, CPO

Discuss the analysis of the effect of a powered ankle-foot system has on knee and low-back pain of unilateral transtibial amputees when compared to an energy storing and return prosthetic foot. This study identified potential benefits for future studies to further investigate.