The effects of swing assistance in a microprocessor-controlled transfemoral prosthesis on walking at varying speeds and grades.

ABSTRACT: This article proposes, describes, and tests a swing-assist walking controller for a stance-controlled, swing-assisted knee prosthesis that aims to combine benefits of passive swing mechanics (e.g., quiet operation, biomimetic function, and low power requirements) with benefits of powered swing assistance (e.g., increased robustness of swing-phase motion and specifically increased toe clearance). A three-participant, multislope, multispeed treadmill walking study was performed using the swing-assist prosthesis and controller, as well as using the participants' prescribed microprocessor knee devices. The swing-assist device and approach were found to improve user minimum foot clearance during walking at slopes and speeds, and also to improve symmetry of knee motion. Hip power inputs from sta

SUBMITTER: Lee J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10936271 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature