Performance enhancement of bi-lateral lower-limb amputees in the latter phases of running events: an initial investigation

Abstract

Current methods of evaluating the performance of a runner using an energy return prosthesis often rely on a physiological methodology, making the differentiation between the contributions from the biological and the prosthetic elements of the below-knee amputee athlete difficult. In this paper a series of mass and composite foot systems were used to evaluate the effect that gravity, mass, stiffness and inertia have on the dynamic characteristics of a prosthesis. It is demonstrated that if the natural characteristics of a system are identified and synchronised with the physiological gait behaviour of a runner, performance enhancement can occur, resulting in a faster take off speed and in storing extra energy in the system that can later be recovered. Therefore, a bi-lateral amputee athlete with near symmetrical gait can recover the stored energy during the steady state or latter phases of a running event.