Seven above-knee amputees were fitted with a low-cost prosthetic knee and different low-cost swing-phase setups were clinically assessed. Clinical testing included the 20-meter walk tests utilizing a mobile computer setup connected to a potentiometer and accelerometer mounted on the prosthetic limb. As hypothesized, incorporating friction and a spring system resulted in improved gait function. Of the two spring systems evaluated, the dual spring system performed better than the single spring system resulting in increased walking velocity with decreased maximum flexion and terminal impact. The dual spring system resulted in lower terminal impact because the deactivation of the stiff spring and activation of the less stiff spring during the last 25 degrees of swing-phase before extension allows the shank to decelerate and hit the bumper at a lower velocity. The swing-phase control mechanisms evaluated have the potential to improve prosthetic function and are ideal for use in low-cost and peadiatric prostheses.

Seven above-knee amputees were fitted with a low-cost prosthetic knee and different low-cost swing-phase setups were clinically assessed. Clinical testing included the 20-meter walk tests utilizing a mobile computer setup connected to a potentiometer and accelerometer mounted on the prosthetic limb. As hypothesized, incorporating friction and a spring system resulted in improved gait function. Of the two spring systems evaluated, the dual spring system performed better than the single spring system resulting in increased walking velocity with decreased maximum flexion and terminal impact. The dual spring system resulted in lower terminal impact because the deactivation of the stiff spring and activation of the less stiff spring during the last 25 degrees of swing-phase before extension allows the shank to decelerate and hit the bumper at a lower velocity. The swing-phase control mechanisms evaluated have the potential to improve prosthetic function and are ideal for use in low-cost and peadiatric prostheses.

Title: Influence of gait in high heels on posture, and division of pressure on the contact area level of the feet and the floor Objective: The aim of the dissertation was to verify how walking in high-heeled shoes influences the time and pressure parameters of the step cycle and posture during slow and very slow walking in low experienced wearers. Methods: The research study was an empirical, comparative intra-individual study. Pedar-X® measuring inserts (Novel, Munich, Germany) were used to measure the distribution of plantar pressures and to evaluate time parameters while walking on a conveyor belt at v1 = 0.97 ms-1 and v2 = 0.56 ms-1 in straight shoes and high-heeled shoes. SonoSens Monitor Analyzer® (Gefremed, Chemnitz, Germany) was used to assess posture. The research group consisted of thirty healthy women wearing high-heeled shoes occasionally (age: 21.8 ± 2.09 years, weight: 55.7 ± 4.05 kg, height: 1.66 ± 0.03 m). Anova test and paired t-test were used for statistical analysis, and the Cohen coefficient d was used to calculate material significance. Results: Significant differences in time and plantar pressure variables were found when walking in high-heeled shoes compared to straight footwear. For both types of footwear, walking speed only affected time variables, but not dynamic...

Title: Influence of gait in high heels on posture, and division of pressure on the contact area level of the feet and the floor. Objective: The aim of the dissertation was to confirm how walking in high-heeled shoes influences the time and pressure parameters of the step cycle and posture during slow and very slow walking in low experienced wearers. Methods: The research study was an empirical, comparative intra-individual study. Pedar-X® measuring inserts (Novel, Munich, Germany) were used to measure the distribution of plantar pressures and to evaluate time parameters while walking on a conveyor belt at v1 = 0.97 ms-1 and v2 = 0.56 ms-1 in straight shoes and high-heeled shoes. SonoSens Monitor Analyzer® (Gefremed, Chemnitz, Germany) was used to assess posture. The research group consisted of thirty healthy women wearing high-heeled shoes occasionally (age: 21.8 ± 2.09 years, weight: 55.7 ± 4.05 kg, height: 1.66 ± 0.03 m). Anova test and paired t-test were used for statistical analysis, and the Cohen coefficient d was used to calculate material significance. Results: Significant differences in time and plantar pressure variables were found when walking in high-heeled shoes compared to straight footwear. For both types of footwear, walking speed only affected time variables, but not dynamic...