ENERGY-STORAGE AND RELEASE OF PROSTHETIC FEET .2. SUBJECTIVE RATINGS OF 2 ENERGY-STORING AND 2 CONVENTIONAL FEET, USER CHOICE OF FOOT AND DECIDING FACTOR

This paper is the second part of a study on biomechanical and function al properties of prosthetic feet. The first part dealt with a biomecha nical analysis related to user benefits. This part deals with subjecti ve ratings and deciding factors for trans-tibial amputees using 2 ener gy storing feet (ESF) and 2 conventional feet (CF). The Otto Beck Dyna mic Pro and Hanger Quantum feet were used as ESF and the Otto Beck Mul ti Axial and Otto Beck Lager feet were used as CF, Ten trans-tibial am putees, active walkers, without stump problems, were selected (mean ag e: 49 years old). The study was designed as a double-blind, randomised trial and for each foot there was a habituation period of 2 weeks. Tw o questionnaires were designed. (A) concerned information about the pr eference of the subjects and (B) concerned the order of importance of difference aspects concerning a prosthesis. Results indicated that no clear preference for either the ESF or the CF existed and that the ind ividual preference is not related to age. The items 'ability to walk f ast' and 'no fatigue during walking', score statistically significantl y worse for the CF2. With the small contrast between the ESF and CF, i n relation to energy storing capacities, the subjects cannot distingui sh between the ESF and CF. The 'absence of stump pain' and 'stability while walking' are ranked as most important aspects concerning a prost hesis. The perception of stability is likely to be related to the leve l and kind of activities the subject performs.