Assistive Robotics Laboratory

Assistive Robotics Laboratory

Length-Adjustable Prosthesis based on Dynamic Leg Length

Current prosthetic knee designs are based on replicating normal anatomy with a revolute knee joint. Many prosthesis users have issues with optimizing leg length for balance during stance, push-off during late stance, and toe clearance during swing. There exists a major clinical opportunity to develop a prosthetic device that actively linearly shortens and lengthens during ambulation with a prismatic component. This research project focuses on designing the adjustable length profile and a prosthesis that lengthens and shortens throughout the gait cycle. We evaluated the performance of the prosthetic leg through amputee experiments to demonstrate the benefits in improving gait symmetry with user perferences incorporated.

An amputee wearing the length-adjustable prosthesis for walking experiments.

Journal Articles

  • T. Parr, J. DesJardins, A. Hippensteal, T. Harvey, and G. Lv, “Transfemoral Prosthesis with Ambulatory Length-Actuation: Design and Preliminary Evaluation”, IEEE Transactions on Bionics & Medical Robotics, under review, 2024.

  • T. Parr, G. Lv, A. Hippensteal, C. Pitts, J. Roahds, O. Aguilar, J. DesJardings, “Pilot Evaluation of Gait Stability and Mobility for Persons using a Length-Actuated Transfemoral Prosthesis”, Prosthetics and Orthotics International, under review, 2024.

Abstracts

  • C. Pitts, R. Parr, J. Rhoads, O. Aguilar, G. Lv, J. DesJardins, “Length-Actuated Transfemoral Prosthesis Increases Hip Flexion/Extension Symmetry for Users”, 2023 Biomedical Engineering Society Annual Meeting, Seattle, WA, October 11 - 14, 2023.

  • C. Pitts, R. Parr, J. Rhoads, O. Aguilar, G. Lv, J. DesJardins, “Length-Actuated Transfemoral Prosthesis Increases Hip Flexion/Extension Symmetry for Users”, Prisma Health Education and Research Institute Showcase, Columbia, SC, October 27, 2023.

  • T. Parr, A. Hippensteal, G. Lv, T. Harvey, S. Thomas, T. Driscoll, B. Lawhorn, J. DesJardins, “Development of a Novel Length-Actuated Transfemoral Prosthesis for Functional Symmetry”, 48th Academy Annual Meeting & Scientific Symposium, Atlanta, GA, March 2 - 5, 2022.

  • T. Parr, A. Hippensteal, G. Lv, T. Harvey, B. Lawhorn, S. Thomas, T. Driscoll, J. DesJardins, “Development of a Length-Actuated Transfemoral Prosthesis Based on Dynamic Leg Length Modeling”, Prisma Health Research Showcase, Greenville, SC, October 22, 2021.