< Back to previous page

Publication

Performance of the CYBERLEGs motorized lower limb prosthetic device during simulated daily activities

Journal Contribution - Journal Article


Background
The CYBERLEGs-gamma (CLs-ɣ) prosthesis has been developed to investigate the possibilities of powerful active prosthetics in restoring human gait capabilities after lower limb amputation.

Objective
The objective of this study was to determine the performance of the CLs-ɣ prosthesis during simulated daily activities.

Methods
Eight participants with a transfemoral amputation (age: 55 ± 15 years, K-level 3, registered under: NCT03376919) performed a familiarization session, an experimental session with their current prosthesis, three training sessions with the CLs-ɣ prosthesis and another experimental session with the CLs-ɣ prosthesis. Participants completed a stair-climbing-test, a timed-up-and-go-test, a sit-to stand-test, a 2-min dual-task and a 6-min treadmill walk test.

Results
Comparisons between the two experimental sessions showed that stride length significantly increased during walking with the CLs-ɣ prosthesis (p = .012) due to a greater step length of the amputated leg (p = .035). Although a training period with the prototype was included, preferred walking speed was significantly slower (p = .018), the metabolic cost of transport was significantly higher (p = .028) and reaction times significantly worsened (p = .012) when walking with the CLs-ɣ compared to the current prosthesis.

Conclusions
It can be stated that a higher physical and cognitive effort were required when wearing the CLs-ɣ prosthesis. Positive outcomes were observed regarding stride length and stair ambulation. Future prosthetics development should minimize the weight of the device and integrate customized control systems. A recommendation for future research is to include several shorter training periods or a prolonged adaptation period.
Journal: Wearable Technologies
ISSN: 2631-7176
Volume: 2
Publication year:2021
  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/wtc.2021.15
  • ORCID: /0000-0003-0274-6204/work/111029275
  • ORCID: /0000-0003-0117-8356/work/111028916
  • ORCID: /0000-0001-8351-9702/work/111028796
  • ORCID: /0000-0002-4716-5393/work/111028793
  • ORCID: /0000-0001-7553-9957/work/111028746
  • ORCID: /0000-0002-6901-7199/work/111028219
  • ORCID: /0000-0003-4442-4473/work/111028123
  • ORCID: /0000-0002-6341-7925/work/111027956
  • ORCID: /0000-0003-2966-0355/work/111027941
  • Scopus Id: 85149673869
Accessibility:Open