Concarneau

This research investigates the impact of a prosthetic foot with an adjustable heel height on physical appearance and participation for adults with major lower limb amputations. Most prosthetic feet have a fixed heel height, which limits users to shoes of the same heel height and restricts their choice of footwear. The study aims to address this limitation by evaluating a device that allows users to freely choose different types of shoes, enhancing their ability to cope with physical disability. The study compares the Taleo Adjust prosthetic foot, which features a hydraulic ankle allowing heel height adjustment from 0 to 7 cm, with the participant's usual Energy Storage and Return (ESR) prosthetic foot that has a fixed heel height. The adjustable foot preserves prosthetic alignment and walking quality across different heel heights. Participants will use both types of prosthetic feet in a randomized crossover design to assess differences. Participants will be evaluated through the Prosthetic Evaluation Questionnaire focusing on appearance after 30 days of use. Researchers will monitor physical appearance, social participation, and user satisfaction related to the adjustable heel height feature. The study includes assessments of walking ability with various shoe types and barefoot, with ongoing monitoring of alignment, comfort, and participation outcomes throughout the study period.