The effect of changing the inertia of a trans-tibial dynamic elastic response prosthesis on the kinematics and ground reaction force patterns

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess, by means of gait analysis, the effect on the gait of a trans-tibial amputee of altering the mass and the moment of inertia of a dynamic elastic response prosthesis. One male amputee was analysed for four to five walking trials at normal and fast cadences, using the VICON system of motion analysis and an AMTI force plate. The kinematic variables of cadence, swing time, single support time and joint angles for the knee and hip on the affected and intact sides were analysed. The ground reaction force was also analysed. The sample size was limited to one as an example to indicate the changes which are possible through simply changing the inertial characteristics. Descriptive statistics are used to demonstrate these changes. Three mass conditions for the prosthesis were analysed m1: 1080g; m2: 1080 + 530g; m3: 1080 + 1460g. The m1 condition is the mass of the prosthesis with no added weight while m2 and m3 were attachments of the same geometrical shape but were made from different materials. It was felt that the large mass range would highlight biomechanical adjustments as a result of its alteration. The effect on selected temporal characteristics were that as the speed increased the cadence changed and the affected side single support times as a percentage of the gait cycle were altered. The effect on the joint angles was also apparent at the hip and knee of both sides. The ground reaction force patterns were similar for all three mass conditions, though the impact peak which was evident in the intact limb was missing, indicating a shock absorbing property in the prosthesis. Clearly, changing the mass and moment of inertia has an effect on the kinematic variables of gait and should be considered when designing a prosthesis.