Krops, L.A. and Kouwenhove, L. van and Otten, prof. dr. E. (2014) Running frequency in prosthetic running: the ability to adjust vertical leg stiffness in the prosthetic and sound leg. thesis, Human Movement Sciences.
Full text available on request.Abstract
Objective: To investigate the differences in range of possible running frequencies, and range of variation in vertical leg stiffness (kvert), between able bodied and amputee runners, and to suggest how prosthetic stiffness of an optimal running specific prosthesis has to be set, in order to reach the highest running speed. Methods: Eighteen able bodied runners, and nine prosthetic runners ran at different high running speeds, in which the range of executable running frequencies was determined. Using video analysis, gait parameters, kvert, leg stiffness (kleg) and joint angles were calculated. In two trans tibial amputees, a stiffer spring was part of the prosthesis to investigate the effect of prosthetic stiffness on step size, step frequency, and running speed. Results: kvert can be adjusted to a higher extend in able bodied legs, compared to sound and prosthetic leg of amputees. Results show that kvert is less regulated by joint angular excursion, and leg stiffness (kleg) adjustment in the prosthetic leg, compared to the sound leg and leg of able bodied runners. Since the prosthetic leg appears to deviate from calculated resonant frequency at higher running frequency, the range of executable stride frequencies is equal between able bodied and amputee runners. Minimal running frequency is independent of prosthetic stiffness, whereas maximal running frequency was higher at higher frequencies. Attaching a stiffer spring influences step frequency and running speed, in which a softer spring is beneficial at the start of the race, whereas a stiffer spring is beneficial at the end of the race. Conclusion: This research indicates that an optimal running specific prosthesis consists of a progressive non-linear spring, or a linear speed dependent spring. Although prosthetic runners suffer from a reduced ability to increase kvert, well trained runners are able to run at a range of running frequencies that is of equal size as able bodied runners can. Unless, innovation in running specific prostheses is necessary, since deviating from resonant frequency is not optimal.
| Item Type: | Thesis (UNSPECIFIED) |
|---|---|
| Faculty: | Medical Sciences |
| Date Deposited: | 01 Apr 2022 14:02 |
| Last Modified: | 01 Apr 2022 14:02 |
| URI: | https://umcg.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/3032 |
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