Design and Quantitative Evaluation of a Stance-Phase Controlled Prosthetic Knee Joint for Children
By Andrysek, J.; Naumann, S.; Cleghorn, W. L.; IEEE Transactions on Control Systems Technology, Vol. 13, No. 4, pp. 437- 443Publication Date: December 2005
Paper focuses on a theoretical basis for the design of a stance-phase controlled pediatric prosthetic knee joint. Biomechanical models were used to analyze the stance-phase control characteristics of the prosthetic knee joint, which were compared with three other commonly prescribed pediatric knee joint mechanisms. Six children with a mean age of 10.8 years participated in the study. A questionnaire that focused on stance-phase control was designed and administered to each child in two study conditions: (1) when using the prototype knee joint, and (2) when using the conventional knee joint. Stance-phase modeling results indicated decreased zones of instability for the new knee as compared to other pediatric knee joints. Questionnaire results revealed a decrease in the frequency of falls with the prototype when compared to other prosthetic knees, especially in highly active children. The children also reported less worry about the knee collapsing during walking. No differences were reported for stance-phase stability during running and walking on uneven terrain; walking up and down stairs and inclines; fatigue; and types of activities performed. Implications for future research are discussed.
Published by: Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers (IEEE) (Website:http://www.ieeecss.org)
Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers (IEEE) (Web Site: http://www.ieeecss.org )
