Prosthetic FeetEvaluation of High-Performance, Customized, Rapidly-Manufacturable Prosthetic Feet That Provide Improved Mobility

The purpose of this research is to design a high-performance, customized, and rapidly- manufacturable passive prosthetic foot for use in the United States. We are currently testing an early stage prototype and would like user input before pursuing additional clinical testing. Participants will be asked about their current prosthesis type and use, amputation side and cause, and activity level. We will take measurements of height, weight, and length of the participant's residual limb. The participant will be asked to walk in several prosthetic foot conditions in multiple walking activities, and the visit should last approximately four hours.

For each prosthetic foot, a trained prosthetist will fit the foot (either a prototype foot or a commercially available K3/K4 foot) to the prosthesis. The patient will then walk around the room until they feel comfortable. They may initially walk using a gait belt or between parallel bars based on comfort level and an evaluation by the prosthetist. Once they feel comfortable walking on level ground at a normal speed and the prosthetist feels that they will be safe performing more challenging walking activities, the participant will perform different walking activities (such as walking on flat ground at different speeds, walking up/down ramps, and walking up/down stairs). They will then be asked to tell the investigator what they like and dislike about the prosthetic foot.