Preliminary investigation of residual limb plantarflexion and dorsiflexion muscle activity during treadmill walking for trans-tibial amputees.

Background: Novel powered prosthetic ankles currently incorporate finite state control, using kinematic and kinetic sensors to differentiate stance and swing phases/sub-phases and control joint impedance and position or torque. For more intuitive control, myoelectric control of the ankle using the remnant residual limb dorsiflexors and plantarflexors, perhaps in concert with kinetic and kinematic sensors, may be possible.

Objective: The specific research objective was to assess the feasibility of using myoelectric control of future active or powered prosthetic ankle joints for trans-tibial amputees.

Effect of ankle orientation on heel loading and knee stability for post-stroke individuals wearing ankle-foot orthoses.

Background: Those who experience lower extremity weakness or paralysis following a stroke often exhibit gait deviations caused by the inability to completely lift their foot during swing. An ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) is commonly prescribed for individuals post stroke with this mobility impairment.

Study Design: Randomized controlled trial.