Technology Efficacy in Active Prosthetic Knees for Transfemoral Amputees: A Quantitative Evaluation

Abstract

Several studies have presented technological ensembles of active knee systems for transfemoral prosthesis. Other studies have examined the amputees' gait performance while wearing a specific active prosthesis. This paper combined both insights, that is, a technical examination of the components used, with an evaluation of how these improved the gait of respective users. This study aims to offer a quantitative understanding of the potential enhancement derived from strategic integration of core elements in developing an effective device. The study systematically discussed the current technology in active transfemoral prosthesis with respect to its functional walking performance amongst above-knee amputee users, to evaluate the system's efficacy in producing close-to-normal user performance. The performances of its actuator, sensory system, and control technique that are incorporated in each reported system were evaluated separately and numerical comparisons were conducted based on the percentage of amputees' gait deviation from normal gait profile points. The results identified particular components that contributed closest to normal gait parameters. However, the conclusion is limitedly extendable due to the small number of studies. Thus, more clinical validation of the active prosthetic knee technology is needed to better understand the extent of contribution of each component to the most functional development.

The effect of terpolymer admixtures on physico-mechanical properties of cement pastes

“…The micrograph of M0 detected the formation of the cement particles that showed the growth of rods of ettringite phase (C 3 A. 3CaSO 4 . 32H 2 O).…”

“…Chandra et al, [36] reported that the retardation effects of in cement/cement admixtures due to the interaction of Ca 2+ ions with chemical admixtures, which holds their action and causes the acceleration of early ettringite gel formation or inhibition of the conversion of ettringite to monosulphate (C 3 A. 3CaSO 4 . 12H 2 O).…”

“…So it is expected that the HSMF resin to be a more effective concrete chemical admixtures. El-Sayed et al, [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20] reported the performance of water-soluble copolymers on the rheological properties of Portland cement (PC) pastes and mortar. The results showed that the addition of aqueous solutions from the prepared copolymers to the cement enhance the properties of cement and mortar.…”

Piezoelectric Bimorphs’ Characteristics as In-Socket Sensors for Transfemoral Amputees

“…Advancements in prosthetic knee systems are of increasing importance to assist transfemoral amputees perform their different daily activities [ 1 ] such as walking, stair climbing, and running [ 2 , 3 ] more naturally. Prosthetic knee devices are categorized into passive and active types [ 4 ].…”

Energy flow analysis of amputee walking shows a proximally-directed transfer of energy in intact limbs, compared to a distally-directed transfer in prosthetic limbs at push-off

“…Studies assessing the effect of different prosthetic components [6][7][8] and of amputation level [9][10][11][12][13][14] during amputee gait have led to consistent findings of reduced peak ankle plantar-flexion moment and power and increased peak hip power generation and absorption in amputees. This has led to several avenues of research, particularly the design and development of active (powered) prosthetic limbs [15][16][17]. However, given the majority of amputees use passive prosthetic limbs, understanding how these devices interact with the body during locomotion should remain a priority and may lead to improved passive devices with better energy storage and return characteristics, perhaps utilising intelligent control.…”