Abstract

Current method of evaluating the performance of a runner using energy return prosthesis often rely on physiological methodology, making the differentiation between the contributions from the biological and the prosthetic element of the below-knee amputee athlete difficult. In this paper a series of mass and composite foot system were used to evaluate the effect that, gravity, mass, stiffness and inertia have on the dynamics characteristics of prosthesis. It is demonstrated that if the natural characteristics of a system are identified and synchronised with the physiological gait behaviour of a runner, performance enhancement could occur resulting in faster take off speed resulting in storing extra energy in the system that can later be recovered. Therefore a bi-lateral amputee athlete with near symmetrical gait can recover the stored energy during the steady state or latter phases of a running event, notably over longer distances.