Estimation of quasi-stiffness and propulsive work of the human ankle in the stance phase of walking.

ABSTRACT: Characterizing the quasi-stiffness and work of lower extremity joints is critical for evaluating human locomotion and designing assistive devices such as prostheses and orthoses intended to emulate the biological behavior of human legs. This work aims to establish statistical models that allow us to predict the ankle quasi-stiffness and net mechanical work for adults walking on level ground. During the stance phase of walking, the ankle joint propels the body through three distinctive phases of nearly constant stiffness known as the quasi-stiffness of each phase. Using a generic equation for the ankle moment obtained through an inverse dynamics analysis, we identify key independent parameters needed to predict ankle quasi-stiffness and propulsive work and also the functional form of each c

SUBMITTER: Shamaei K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3605342 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature