The proposed study aims to characterize the effects of running-specific leg prosthetic stiffness and height during on performance during running and sprinting to optimize running-specific prosthesis prescription. The investigators will collect biomechanical and metabolic data from participants with unilateral and bilateral below the knee amputations while they run at different speeds on a treadmill. This data will be used to understand the effects of running prostheses. Then, these parameters will be used to develop prosthetic prescription techniques for people with below the knee amputations.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
30
Participants will run using the Otto Bock prosthesis at a recommended stiffness and height, one category stiffer than recommended at the recommended height, one category softter than recommended at the recommended height, at the optimal stiffness and 2 cm taller, and at the optimal stiffness and 2 cm shorter.
Participants will run using the Ossur prosthesis at a recommended stiffness and height, one category stiffer than recommended at the recommended height, one category softter than recommended at the recommended height, at the optimal stiffness and 2 cm taller, and at the optimal stiffness and 2 cm shorter.
Participants will run using the Freedom Innovations prosthesis at a recommended stiffness and height, one category stiffer than recommended at the recommended height, one category softter than recommended at the recommended height, at the optimal stiffness and 2 cm taller, and at the optimal stiffness and 2 cm shorter.
University of Colorado Boulder
Boulder, Colorado, United States
Biomechanics
The investigators will measure stance average vertical ground reaction forces during running and sprinting.
Time frame: 4-10 days
Metabolic Demand
The investigators will measure rates of oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production during running to determine the optimal prosthesis for each participant.
Time frame: 4 days
Top Speed
The investigators will measure the top sprinting speed to determine the optimal prosthesis for each participant.
Time frame: 4-10 days
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