Comparison of the lightweight Camp Normal Activity Foot with other prosthetic feet in trans-tibial amputees: a pilot study

Abstract

Clinically relevant information regarding the useability of prosthetic feet is scarce. The industry is not obliged to perform clinical studies before marketing the product. Clinicians however are limited in their possibilities (organisation and finance) to determine the useability of a technical product. This small study is an example of how in general the useability of a technical product is established in clinical practice. The Camp Normal Activity Foot (CNAF), a carbon prosthetic foot, was compared objectively and subjectively with a number of other prosthetic feet (same price bracket) in three subjects with trans-tibial (TT) amputations. The CNAF is low in weight and has favourable stiffness and hysteresis properties. The stiffness of the pylon of the CNAF seems to be limited as also is the possibility of adaptation of the CNAF. The CNAF distinguishes itself, in this study, but not convincingly with respect to the energy consumption in walking, the step-time parameters (symmetry) and the subjective judgement of the users. An additional virtue of the CNAF seems to be its light weight.