PhD Student Vanderbilt University Vanderbilt University Nashville, Tennessee, United States
The value of a backward walking controller for a semi-powered microprocessor prosthetic knee is assessed. Participant studies demonstrate improved biomimetic knee angles throughout swing. By enabling knee flexion during backward gait, the controller reduces compensatory strategies like hip vaulting, enhances toe clearance, and offers potential clinical and safety benefits.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion, participants will be able to describe common compensatory strategies used by transfemoral amputees during backward walking, including stiff-legged stepping and hip compensation.
Upon completion, participants will be able to explain the biomechanical limitations of existing microprocessor prosthetic knees during backward gait.
Upon completion, participants will be able to define the design and function of a backward walking controller for a semi-powered microprocessor knee, including its state machine logic.
Upon completion, participants will be able to interpret knee angle and toe clearance data comparing stiff-legged and flexion-enabled backward walking in prosthesis users.
Upon completion, participants will be able to discuss the potential clinical benefits of enabling backward knee flexion.
