Pilot Study for Patient-cooperative Control Strategies for Actuated Transfemoral Prostheses

Setting of the study: Conventional prostheses for transfemoral amputees are mostly simple mechanic joints, or have micro-processor-controlled damping. The prototype tested in this study is equipped with a motor that can actively move the knee joint. Therefore, movements like, for example, alternating stair climbing, are possible that cannot be realized with pure mechanical and actively damped prostheses. During level-ground walking, it is hypothesized that less compensatory movements are needed. We have developed an actuated prototypical prosthesis and new control strategies which should facilitate both level-ground walking and stair climbing. Parts of the control strategies have been tested in able-bodied subjects [1]. This control strategy has been extended such that only biological stiffness modulation can be rendered [2].

Hypothesis: Subjects can use our transfemoral prosthesis to walk on level-ground, to climb several steps and to overcome small obstacles without prior training. The user-cooperative control is intuitive and easily learnable.

Objective of the study: This pilot study is meant to investigate the general feasibility of novel control strategies for actuated transfemoral prostheses. Parameters of a standard gait analysis, like ground reaction forces and kinematics (using a motion capture system), will be recorded. From this data, gait symmetry, step length, walking speed, and other measures can be calculated. The subjective impression of the user will be evaluated with a questionnaire.

Inclusion criteria

• At least 18 years old
• Written consent of participant
• For amputees: regular use of a transfemoral prosthesis
• For amputees: transfemoral amputation

Exclusion criteria

• Bodymass > 100 kg
• For amputees: mobility class 1
• For amputees: no stable residual leg volume
• For amputees: constrictive contractures