To achieve the objectives mentioned above, we start with determining the criteria that are important for the comfort of the prosthesis user (e.g. walking painlessly, minimal use of energy, normal and symmetrical gait pattern). These criteria will also be translated in measurable parameters (WP 1). On the other hand, we will determine a range of design parameters for prostheses which is as exhaustive as possible, i.e. configuration, alignment, but also individual features as length of the stump and height of the heel (WP 1).
For a wide variety of combinations of design parameters, the ‘performance’ of the prosthesis will be determined in the earlier defined comfort-criteria (WP 2, WP 3). We will use 3 complementary methods to determine the performance parameters:
- simulations with the robotic gait simulator. This method will be used for large amounts of prosthesis configuration and alignment combinations (WP 2).
- measurements on the prosthesis user, in (partly) the same combinations. In addition, these measurements will be used to validate the simulations (WP 3).
- the subjective feeling of comfort of the prosthesis user during earlier measurements. In this way, the measurable comfort-criteria can be converted to personal comfort (WP 3).
The combining and clustering of this information will lead to a useful, accessible algorithm. This algorithm will be the base of a new method for the configuration and alignment of lower leg prostheses (WP 4). This method will be converted to a useful tool for the prosthetist.
Valorization of this new method will take place through the integration in the field and education through workshops, publications, follow-op projects and possibly the development of new technologies (WP 5).
