Effects of Prosthetic Foot Stiffness on Function and Safety in Adults with Transtibial Amputation Using Bone-Anchored or Socket Prostheses

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying how different stiffness levels of prosthetic feet affect people with unilateral transtibial amputation who use either a bone-anchored limb or a standard socket prosthesis. The trial aims to understand how foot stiffness impacts bone-implant loading, function, pain, biomechanics, sensitivity, balance, and fall risk. It also seeks to identify the best foot stiffness to optimize joint loading and reduce energy use during daily activities. Participants will test three types of prosthetic feet their usual prescribed foot, a foot two stiffness categories softer, and a foot two stiffness categories stiffer, while completing activities of daily living. The study uses a cross-over design with two groupsthose with bone-anchored limbs and those with socket prosthesesto compare effects across different foot stiffnesses. Each participant will attend three laboratory visits over about 6 to 8 weeks, each lasting around 4 hours. During these visits, they will undergo motion capture, physical function tests, sensory assessments, and various biomechanical and balance measurements. Researchers will monitor bone-implant stress, gait speed, postural control, and other outcomes to evaluate the impact of prosthetic foot stiffness on daily function and safety.

Influence of Prosthetic Foot Stiffness on Transtibial Osseointegrated Bone-Anchored Limb Outcomes