A New Modeling Method to Characterize the Stance Control Function of Prosthetic Knee Joints.

OBJECTIVE: Biomechanical models can inform design and optimization of prosthetic devices by connecting empirically-derived biomechanical data to device design parameters. A new method is presented to characterize the function of prosthetic stance control under mobility conditions associated with activities of daily living. The method is based on a model of the gait modes corresponding to finite stance control states.

METHODS: Empirical data from amputee and simulated gait were acquired using a custom built wearable instrument and input into the model.

RESULTS: The modeling approach was shown to be robust, responsive and capable of accurate characterization of controller function under diverse of locomotor and prosthetic setup conditions.

CONCLUSION: Future work is focused on the development of a fully self-contained wearable system, to facilitate collection of large data sets across a variety of user demographics, controller designs, and activities of daily living.

SIGNIFICANCE: The method offers predictive capability, which can assist in the virtual testing of new designs or modifications.