The effect of shock absorbing prosthetic components on the gaits of persons with lower-extremity amputations

Shock absorbing pylons (SAPs) are components that increase prosthetic compliance and provide shock absorption during walking, running, and other high-impact activities in persons with leg amputations. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of SAPs on the gaits of persons who walk with trans-tibial prostheses. Two gait analyses were performed on ten subjects walking with and without an Endolite TT (Telescopic-Torsion) Pylon. Comparison of kinematic and kinetic gait parameters indicated that there were few quantitative changes in the way people walked with and without the SAPs. The most consistent change among subjects was a reduction In the magnitude of an isolated force transient that occurred during the prosthetic loading response phase, an effect that was more evident at higher walking speeds. Results from a questionnaire that was administered to subjects indicated they generally preferred walking with the SAP for reasons related to comfort. We conclude that SAPs may provide significant benefit for persons with trans-tibial amputations who are able to routinely walk at speeds above approximately 1.3 m/sec.