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    Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Engineering

    (G-269) Responsive Transtibial Ankle Prosthetic for Amputees in Developing Countries

    Thursday, October 12, 2023
    2:00 PM – 3:00 PM PDT
    Location: Exhibit Hall - Row G - Poster # 269
    Introduction:: Of the over 40 million amputees within the labor-intensive workforce of developing countries, only 5% to 15% are able to receive prosthetics due to significant costs and a lack of available resources [1]. Current prosthetic solutions do not allow for motion of the ankle joint, leading to improper gait mechanics and further injury. In most cases, physical labor is an essential part of life in developing countries and vital for survival; therefore, it is imperative to develop an affordable and mobile prosthetic that can withstand the elements of the environment. Our ankle prosthetic aims to meet this need by incorporating the natural shape and structure of a foot with a novel system of springs, hose clamps and sensors to allow for ankle mobility and adaptation to changes in terrain with hopes that amputees may return to daily activities and do so pain-free.

    Materials and Methods:: Two physical gait cycle analysis studies were conducted using a system of pressure sensors and an inertial measurement (IMU) sensor. A prosthetic foot and ankle connector was designed in SolidWorks and 3D printed to mimic the normal anatomy of the foot and ankle system as it includes the natural shape of the foot and a ball and socket joint. A system of springs and hose clamps emulate the muscles of the foot and ankle, and allow for the stabilization, flexibility and adaptability of the prosthetic. Physical testing was performed by having volunteers wear the prosthetic via an able-body prosthesis and walk on various terrains. The volunteers were then asked how their experience was and how it differed from walking normally. Based on the feedback, improvements were made on the prototype to better mimic the natural gait cycle.

    Results, Conclusions, and Discussions:: Through physical testing, it was determined that the prosthetic is able to withstand the walking force of an average male across various terrains. However, foot drop still occurs as the springs are responsive rather than active. To correct for this, an IMU sensor placed inside of the prosthetic detects the phases of the gait cycle and communicates with a linear actuator through an Arduino, giving the prosthetic the ability to also have an active response to prevent foot drop. Using the data from the gait cycle analysis studies, it was determined that Z-axis acceleration data was the best indicator for normal gait cycle as it indicates terminal swing. This metric will be used to prompt the activation of the linear actuator to raise the foot through the swing of the leg. All of the components measured by the IMU (X, Y, Z-axis acceleration and gyroscope) and pressure measurements will be used as a standard of success, as the prosthetic needs to achieve data similar to that of the natural gait cycle analysis.
    In conclusion, this ankle prosthetic addresses the need for an affordable and robust assistive device while offering the dynamic capabilities generated by the system of springs and linear actuator, and informed by the IMU sensor. Further research must be conducted in order to improve on the linear actuator mechanism, as well as determining materials and housing units for the components of the prosthetic to withstand elements of the environment.



    Acknowledgements (Optional): :

    This work was supported in part by the Clemson University Creative Inquiry Program and a VentureWell Program Grant. We would also like to thank Dr. Delphine Dean, Dr. Melinda Harman and Dr. John Desjardins for their continued support and guidance on this project.



    References (Optional): :

    [1] Martin Marino, M.M., Access to Prosthetic Devices in Developing Countries: Pathways and Challenges. 2015. 1-2.


    [2] Habib Masum, H.M., Conceptual Design of a Powered Ankle-Foot Prosthesis for Walking. 2014, 229-231