Piloting a Novel Computational Framework for Identifying Prosthesis-Specific Contributions to Gait Deviations

Abstract

This paper introduces a novel computational framework for evaluating above-knee prostheses, addressing a major challenge in gait deviation studies: distinguishing between prosthesis-specific and patient-specific contributions to gait deviations. This innovative approach utilizes three separate computational models to quantify the changes in gait dynamics necessary to achieve a set of ideal gait kinematics across different prosthesis designs. The pilot study presented here employs a simple two-dimensional swing-phase model to conceptually demonstrate how the outcomes of this three-model framework can assess the extent to which prosthesis design impacts a user's ability to replicate the dynamics of able-bodied gait. Furthermore, this framework offers potential for optimizing passive prosthetic devices for individual patients, thereby reducing the need for real-life experiments, clinic visits, and overcoming rehabilitation challenges.