BELOW-KNEE AMPUTEE GAIT IN STAIR AMBULATION - A COMPARISON OF STRIDE CHARACTERISTICS USING 5 DIFFERENT PROSTHETIC FEET

The purpose of this study was to compare the stride characteristics pr ovided by four of the new dynamic elastic response prosthetic feet and the SACH foot to determine if any of them provided an increased perfo rmance during stair ambulation. Ten traumatic below-knee amputees were studied; each of them tested all five prosthetic feet (Flex-Foot, Car bon Copy II, Seattle, Quantum, and SACH). Compression dosing footswitc hes were used to calculate stride characteristics while ascending and descending a four-step staircase. The only significant difference betw een feet was found during the initial double-limb support (IDLS) phase of stair ascent, with the Flex-Foot providing a more symmetrical ampu tated:sound limb IDLS ratio compared with the SACH foot (1.03 versus 1 .30). The increased IDLS time seen with the SACH foot reflects the ina bility to adequately advance the tibia and body weight over the prosth etic foot to achieve progression. This lack of progression and symmetr ical gait pattern between limbs may be a function of the limited dorsi flexion range inherent with the SACH foot.