Evidence on prosthetic feet with active dorsiflexion feature, passive microprocessor control and active ankle power generation: A mini literature review.

Abstract

This paper reviewed 11 publications on non-MP controlled ankles with active dorsiflexion feature, 15 publications on passive MP controlled ankles, and 12 publications on powered MP controlled ankle-foot mechanisms. Methodological quality of publications was low to moderate. The evidence found was mostly biomechanical and generated in gait lab studies. Non-MP ankles may increase toe clearance and reduce braking forces during level walking, thus supporting propulsion with increase in walking speed. Passive MP controlled ankles may also increase toe clearance and reduce the likelihood of stumbling over an unseen obstacle. They may reduce energy expenditure during level walking and facilitate slope and stair ambulation. Non-MP and passive MP controlled ankles have been also been shown to reduce residual limb-socket interface pressures. Powered ankles may increase walking speed to the level of and decrease energy expenditure to be no longer significantly different from that of able-bodied individuals. Also, at higher walking speeds the sound knee loading may be reduced by up to 15-20%. However, it remains unclear to what extent the gait lab results for all advanced ankle-foot mechanisms can be transferred to real-life benefits in the free-living environment.