Four suspensions for transtibial prosthetics: a case-study

Objectives - The harmony between the residual limb and the prosthesis with an effective and comfortable suspension system allows the amputee to fully continue their daily living activities. With this study, the authors intended to measure gait efficiency and conclude whether the suspension systems tested differ in the various transtibial prostheses, based on the data provided by indirect calorimetry. Methodology - Functional performance that each suspension system allows will be approached by analyzing quantitative variables such as gait efficiency through indirect calorimetry using Lin-Chan protocols, which uses 5 different treadmill speeds. Results - Gait efficiency analysis of the four suspension systems (2 suction; 1 PIN; 1 VASS) showed that when comparing the four models, the most functional suspension system was the prosthesis with the active vacuum suspension system (VASS) with lower values for mlO2/kg/m and higher distance than other suspension systems. Conclusion - Differences in results of the tests carried out in the various suspension systems prove that indirect calorimetry is sensitive in the assessment of the identified variables and is a viable tool in the analysis of gait efficiency in amputees, proving that the VASS suspension system is what presents a greater efficiency in walking and so a higher functionality.