Resseguie, ShaunHahn, Michael2015-06-222015-06-222015https://hdl.handle.net/1794/18949Single page posterThe powered prosthetic foot (PPF) is designed to provide transtibial amputees (TTA) with active propulsion and plantar flexion similar to that of the biological limb. Previous studies have demonstrated the PPF’s ability to increase TTA walking speeds, while reducing the energetic costs, however, little is known about its effects on dynamic balance control. The purpose of this study was to assess dynamic balance control in a sample of TTA subjects during level ground walking and obstacle-crossing tasks. Control subjects (n=5) and TTA subjects (n=4) were instructed to complete a series of functional walking tasks during each lab visit. The TTA subjects completed the walking protocol twice, first in their traditional passive prosthetic foot and again in the prescribed PPF after two weeks of acclimation. Motion data were collected via a 10-camera system with a 53-marker and 15-segment body model. Center of mass (CoM) motion within the frontal plane were analyzed and used as functional indicators of dynamic balance control. Preliminary findings from the study indicate that TTA subjects wearing the PPF generally experienced a greater mediolateral CoM motion and peak velocity, thus signifying a reduced ability to maintain dynamic balance control. Our findings may be of particular interest to clinicians and PPF designers working to improve the amputee population’s quality of life. Further data analysis is needed to support these initial findings.en-USCreative Commons BY-NC-ND 4.0-USPowered prosthetic footCenter of massObstacle crossingTranstibial AmputeeBalance controlMotion analysisOther