Thesis

Knee mechanism performance in amputee activity

Creator
Rights statement
Awarding institution
  • University of Strathclyde
Date of award
  • 1969
Thesis identifier
  • T9(1969)
Qualification Level
Qualification Name
Department, School or Faculty
Abstract
  • A strain-gauged pylon has been constructed which can be incorporated into the shank of an artificial leg for a patient with a below knee or higher levels of amputation. Together with a goniometer at the artificial knee joint, this enabled sufficient information to be recorded to calculate the force actions exerted between the socket and the amputee. A computer programme was written to carry out the necessary computation and plot out the results in graphical form. An above knee amputee was fitted with a quadrilateral suction socket and. the strain-gauged dynometer was attached to a SACH (solid ankle cushion heel) foot. Various knee mechanisms designed to aid stability were incorporated in the leg and the performance of the amputee assessed by measuring the force actions developed. Tests were carried out over a range of activities and the devices compared for their effectiveness. A statistical analysis of level walking indicated that the Lammers polycentric knee was particularly beneficial to this amputee, although in overall performance the Blatchford stabilized knee was found to be the most satisfactory device investigated. This dynamic work and earlier research into the static characteristics of artificial legs were compared. The static testing of knee mechanisms has limited application in a limb-fitting clinic but can provide important information on their characteristics. The problem of correct prescription of artificial legs in connection with an objective assessment of the amputee's capability was discussed. The different requirements were outlined and lines of development indicated for a clinical tool and research instrument based on the strain- gauged pylon.
Advisor / supervisor
  • Paul, John P.
  • Kenedi, Robert Maximilian
Resource Type
Note
  • Pages 34 and 35 missing from both print copies of volume I.
DOI
EThOS ID
  • 880222
Funder

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