Automatic Activity-Dependent and Phase-Varying Prosthetic Foot Stiffness Modulation to Improve Balance Control in Individuals With Lower-Limb Amputations

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating how different prosthetic foot stiffness levels affect balance control in individuals with below-knee amputations. The study aims to find the best stiffness that improves balance during various daily walking activities, as people with lower limb amputations face higher fall risks due to lost ankle muscle function. This trial focuses on optimizing prosthesis stiffness to enhance stability and reduce falls. Participants will use a special prosthesis fitted with three different prosthetic feet varying in stiffness: their usual prescribed stiffness, one two levels stiffer, and one two levels less stiff. They will perform nine walking tasks including walking at different speeds on level ground, walking up and down slopes, carrying a load, walking on uneven terrain, and walking in circles with the prosthetic limb inside or outside the circle. These tasks occur on treadmills or overground in a randomized order. During visits lasting about 3 hours, participants will be monitored with motion capture to measure their balance by observing body movement patterns. The main measurement is the peak-to-peak range of whole-body angular momentum in the frontal plane during walking. Researchers will analyze which stiffness level best supports balance for each activity. Rest breaks are provided as needed, and participants will continue using their own sockets adjusted as necessary.

Automatic Prosthetic Foot Stiffness Modulation to Improve Balance