This paper presents the challenges currently being encountered for the accelerated application of robotic prosthetics in clinical applications. The main goal is to evaluate technological challenges and methods that have been utilized to foster development of the intelligent artificial robotic prosthetics. Success that have been achieved during in vitro researches were evaluated based on clinical application and ultimately commercialization of the designs. Emphasis is on cost of researches, designs, commercialization and accessibility to the general populace. Although the use of robotic prosthetic limbs has been largely accepted by the scientific world, the amputees have been encountering several disadvantages such as weight increase, intricate and frequent maintenance and noisy actuation coupled with unreliable control system as a result of poor signal acquisition and processing. Novel techniques proposed such as pattern recognition for feature extraction and machine learning for robustness, adaptability and stability were either based on simulations in softwares such as Autodesk, OpenSim or Matlab resulting in limited prototypes and hardware developments thereby reducing the clinical applicability of the technologies. Even up to this period of time permanent assistive devices are viewed by the physically challenged as separate, lifeless mechanisms and not intimate extension of the human body structurally, neurologically and dynamically.
Purpose The study presents an investigation of the asymmetries in normal gait associated with the use of prosthetic mechanical passive ankle devices when performing ambulatory-related activities for unilateral osteomyoplastic transtibial amputees. Asymmetries in gait may lead to low-back pain and other long-term effects associated with hip compensation and excessive energy consumption. Methods Unilateral transtibial osteomyoplastic amputees were tasked to perform normal gait. The Vicon Motion system and Myomotion System consisting of electromyography sensors and inertial measurement units were used to collect data. Quantitative gait analysis was used for the analysis of anatomical angles for the ankle, knee, hip and pelvis. The results were compared to normative data. Result It was hypothesized that the unilateral amputees would demonstrate high peaks on the hip, knee and ankle of the intact side so as to compensate for the lack of propulsive force on the passive ankle of the prosthetic limb. All parameters for anatomical angles were found to be significant ([Formula: see text]), hip flexion ([Formula: see text]), knee flexion ([Formula: see text]) and ankle dorsiflexion ([Formula: see text]). Temporal and distance variables were quantitatively analyzed and there was no significant difference. Poor management of range of motion was observed on the ankle and the knee. There was minimum hip extension during the stance phase. There was excessive hip rotation and foot plantarflexion on the intact side of the amputee as hip compensation was being applied during the toe-off period and early swing. Amputees exhibited short stance time duration. Conclusion This study demonstrated that amputees can achieve same distance variables as normal subjects; however, this causes variations in anatomical angles which result in asymmetries in normal gait. Variations in lateral pelvic tilt indicated possible development of lower back pain and changes in posture.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.