Lower limb loss continues to be a major disability with serious psychological, sociological and economic consequences for the amputee. Improving amputee mobility through the design of improved prostheses requires an increased understanding of the gait process. The general goal of this work is to advance fundamental understanding of the biomechanics of amputee level walking and to utilize these insights to determine the optimum characteristics of prostheses. Dynamic mathematical models of above-knee amputee gait will be developed to better understand the prosthetic gait process. The simulation models are intended to: 1) describe which force inputs and amputee/prosthesis parameters dominate stance phase mechanics; 2) predict how changes in these inputs and parameters affect gait mechanics; and thereby 3) determine design specifications for improved above-knee prostheses. First, a set of inputs representing the amputee's intent to control the prosthesis will be determined. Second, the model will use these inputs to predict the new gait mechanics that result from changes in prosthesis function. This work will aid in the design of improved above-knee prosthesis by quantifying the dynamic interdependence of the elements in the amputee/prosthesis system. The results will also be valuable in the design of other types of leg prostheses and lower limb orthoses. Some basic differences between normal and prosthetic gait will be quantified.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
Type
Unknown (R23)
Project #
5R23AR035971-02
Application #
3446355
Study Section
Orthopedics and Musculoskeletal Study Section (ORTH)
Project Start
1986-08-01
Project End
1989-07-31
Budget Start
1987-08-01
Budget End
1988-07-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
1987
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Michigan Ann Arbor
Department
Type
DUNS #
791277940
City
Ann Arbor
State
MI
Country
United States
Zip Code
48109