M. Mariūnas, A. Šešok, and I. Trimonis (Lithuania)
Leg prosthesis, strains, non-linear system, stiffness
The article is based on investigation into the total strains accumulated within human leg prosthesis, that make a significant effect on quantitative and qualitative parameters of a human gait. Finite element method has been used to calculate the strains generating in the contact area of the leg prosthesis receiver and human skin and soft tissues of the stump. Stiffness characteristics of human skin and soft tissues as well as the strains accumulating in the foot finish area have been investigated by experimental means. Efforts have been taken to present strain balance of all prosthesis links.The most prominent strains have been shown to take place in the contact area of the leg prosthesis receiver and soft tissues of the stump and to amount to nearly 55-70% of the accumulated strain level. The strains developing in the foot finish area and also in the metal leg prosthesis links make around 30% and under 5%, respectively, of the accumulated strain level.
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