The SoftFoot Pro: an anthropomorphic and adaptive soft articulated prosthetic foot

Abstract

The flat, stiff sole of energy-storage-and-return prosthetic feet hinders adaptation to irregular terrains. This is among the causes both of high falling risk and of the consequential arising compensatory mechanisms in prosthetic users. To overcome that, we introduce the SoftFoot Pro, an anthropomorphic and adaptive prosthetic foot featuring a flexible and inextensible sole that passively adapts to obstacles, widening the ground contact area. Experimental comparison to a traditional carbon fibre foot in two unilateral transtibial prosthetic users highlights that the adaptive design reduces stance torque and power consumption at the contralateral knee and at both hips, both on level and uneven grounds. The more even load distribution between the two limbs reduces compensatory strategies and gait asymmetries, resulting in biomechanics closer to that of unimpaired individuals. These findings hold promise for enhancing quality of life for individuals with limb loss, potentially improving stability and reducing fall risk.