User preference and patient benefits of a novel energy storing and return foot: A randomized, cross-over clinical trial.

Background: Energy storing and return (ESAR) prosthetic feet often provide high energy return at the cost of increased foot height, compromised appearance, and reduced flexibility. An ESAR foot, Ottobock Evanto, with a novel compact design has been introduced (novel foot).

Objective: To characterize user preference and benefits of a novel foot compared with the subject's previously worn (everyday foot) and comparator foot, Össur Pro-Flex XC.

Using embedded prosthesis sensors for clinical gait analyses in people with lower limb amputation: A feasibility study.

Background: Biomechanical gait analyses are typically performed in laboratory settings, and are associated with limitations due to space, marker placement, and tasks that are not representative of the real-world usage of lower limb prostheses. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the possibility of accurately measuring gait parameters using embedded sensors in a microprocessor-controlled knee joint.

Methods: Ten participants were recruited for this study and equipped with a Genium X3 prosthetic knee joint.

How does ankle power on the prosthetic side influence loading parameters on the sound side during level walking of persons with transfemoral amputation?

Background: Increased ankle power on the prosthetic side seems to decrease biomechanical loading parameters on the sound side. This assumption is based on biomechanical comparisons of different foot constructions. However, such study designs could not show whether the amount of ankle power solely influences the sound side.

Benefits of a microprocessor-controlled prosthetic foot for ascending and descending slopes.

Background: Prosthetic feet are prescribed for persons with a lower-limb amputation to restore lost mobility. However, due to limited adaptability of their ankles and springs, situations like walking on slopes or uneven ground remain challenging. This study investigated to what extent a microprocessor-controlled prosthetic foot (MPF) facilitates walking on slopes.