No Power Bionic Lower Extremity Prosthesis

Typically people need separate prosthetic feet for running and walking. To bridge the gap, this study will test the Compliant Adaptive Energy Storage and Return (CAESAR) foot. This foot can change from a walk mode to a run mode with the push of a button. The investigators will test and improve this foot design mechanically, and then test this design on individuals with lower limb amputation in a lab setting. The goal of this project is to develop a passive prosthetic foot that can serve two purposes in someone's daily life: walking and running, to allow them to be more active. Here we will test this device to determine how it affects the user's mechanics during running and walking. Participants will come to a research laboratory for three test sessions where they will run and walk in their current foot, a commercial high-activity foot, and the prototype CAESAR foot.

Patient Population:

Inclusion criteria

• At least 18 years old
• Transtibial amputation of one or both legs
• Classified as K3 or K4 on the Medicare Functional Classification Level
• Use of a well-fitting prosthetic socket and prosthetic foot for at least 6 months
• Able to walk and run without assistance

Exclusion criteria

• Significant injury to intact limb
• History of balance impairments or neurologic disorders
• Significant cardiovascular or respiratory disease