Approach for gait analysis in persons with limb loss including residuum and prosthesis socket dynamics

Abstract

Musculoskeletal modeling and marker-based motion capture techniques are commonly used to quantify the motions of body segments, and the forces acting on them during human gait. However, when these techniques are applied to analyze the gait of people with lower limb loss, the clinically relevant interaction between the residual limb and prosthesis socket is typically overlooked. It is known that there is considerable motion and loading at the residuum-socket interface, yet traditional gait analysis techniques do not account for these factors due to the inability to place tracking markers on the residual limb inside of the socket. In the present work, we used a global optimization technique and anatomical constraints to estimate the motion and loading at the residuum-socket interface as part of standard gait analysis procedures. We systematically evaluated a range of parameters related to the residuum-socket interface, such as the number of degrees of freedom, and determined the configuration that yields the best compromise between faithfully tracking experimental marker positions while yielding anatomically realistic residuum-socket kinematics and loads that agree with data from the literature. Application of the present model to gait analysis for people with lower limb loss will deepen our understanding of the biomechanics of walking with a prosthesis, which should facilitate the development of enhanced rehabilitation protocols and improved assistive devices.

A model‐based motion capture marker location refinement approach using inverse kinematics from dynamic trials

“…As such, it can be extended to adjust other static model location parameters, such as the location and orientation of a joint in a rigid segment. The present work focuses on use of the approach as a marker placement algorithm, but it has also been used to define the equilibrium position of a prosthesis socket relative to the residual tibia in amputee models in LaPrè …”

Deep Reinforcement Learning for Physics-Based Musculoskeletal Simulations of Healthy Subjects and Transfemoral Prostheses’ Users During Normal Walking

“…Steele et al [14] compare the contributions of mass center accelerations and joint angular accelerations during single-limb stance in crouch gait to those in unimpaired gaits. LaPre et al [15] analyze the interaction between residual limb and prostheses' sockets in transtibial amputees using OpenSim as a simulation tool. OpenSim is also used in transfemoral prosthetics research, for instance to examine the influence of limb alignment and surgical technique on a muscle's capacity to generate a force [3], to study gait compensatory mechanisms [4], and to understand the biomechanics of osseointegrated transfemoral amputees [11].…”

A Reduced-Order Computational Model of a Semi-Active Variable-Stiffness Foot Prosthesis

“…The interface between the prosthetic socket and residual limb was modeled as a highstiffness 6-DoF bushing joint, similar to previous work by LaPrè et al (2018). The rotational and translational stiffness as well as displacement and velocity constraints were designed according to previous gait experiments [19] and finite element analysis [20]. The mass and inertial properties of the lower limbs and pelvis were modeled as conical frusta and an ellipsoid, respectively.…”