Gait analysis and energy consumption of below-knee amputees wearing three different prosthetic feet

This study scientifically measures the dynamic gait characteristics and ene rgy consumption of 16 male below-knee amputees, eight vascular and eight tr aumatic, while wearing solid ankle cushion heel (SACH), single axis and mul tiple axis prosthetic feet via six-camera motion analysis, metabolic measur ement cart and heavy-duty treadmill. Subjective results are additionally de termined via questionnaire after testing. Motion analysis showed statistica lly significant differences at P < 0.05 between the SACH, single axis and m ultiple axis foot in the velocity, cadence, stride length and single limb s tance. Significant differences were found in energy consumption between the traumatic and vascular groups, and significant changes in walking under di fferent speeds and different inclines. Results provide quantitative and qua litative information about the dynamic performance of the various feet, whi ch can be helpful in prescribing the optimal prosthetic foot for individual amputees. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.