What is the Optimal Stiffness and Height of a Running-specific Prosthesis?

What is the Optimal Stiffness and Height of a Running-specific Prosthesis?

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.

Inclusion Criteria:

• bilateral or unilateral transtibial amputation
• at least one year of running experience using running-specific prostheses
• 18-55 years old
• no current problems with their prosthesis or residual limb
• at a K4 Medicare Functional Classification Level

Exclusion Criteria:

• Cardiovascular, pulmonary, or neurological disease or disorder