Biomechanical Analysis of Lower Limb Prosthesis

Abstract

This thesis presents a case study of the initial analysis of self-contained powered transfemoral (TF) prosthesis (AMPRO II). We analyze how the prosthesis influences the biomechanics of TF amputee walking gait. TF amputees have problems with increased energy expenditure and gait asymmetry, which leads to problems with their intact leg problems, such as osteoporosis and scoliosis. In order to assess the effectiveness of AMPRO II, we must analyze how it addresses these issues. This study will compare the amputee’s energy expenditure, kinematic gait symmetry (joint angles) and kinetic gait symmetry (joint reaction forces, and moments) while wearing the participant‘s own microprocessor-controlled TF prosthesis, and AMPRO II. Using AMPRO II enhanced the kinetic symmetry for the hip and knee flexion moment and enhanced kinematic symmetry for the knee and ankle angles. However, using AMPRO II led to increased energy expenditure and decreased symmetry in the hip angle and ankle moment. The findings from this study will lead to an understanding of how AMPRO II affects TF amputees and provide vital information that can be used in the future to improve the functionality of AMPRO II and future iterations of the device development.