Effects of a flat prosthetic foot rocker section on balance and mobility

1. Effects of a flat prosthetic foot rocker section on balance and mobility Andrew Hansen, PhD; Eric Nickel, MS; Joseph Medvec, CP; Steven Brielmaier, DPT; Alvin Pike, CP; Marilyn Weber, MD

2. Aim • Examine effect of prosthetic foot rocker flat region length on balance and mobility in unilateral transtibial prosthesis users. • Relevance • Interventions to improve balance, such as flat regions, may make lower-limb prosthesis users more confident in their balance, enhancing quality of life.

3. Method • An experimental prosthetic foot (Shape&Roll) was altered to provide 3 different flat region lengths within its effective rocker shape. • 12 subjects with unilateral transtibial amputation performed balance (limits of stability, quiet standing, motor control) and mobility tests (sit to stand, walking speed, L Test of Functional Mobility).

4. Results • No significant changes were seen in balance and mobility outcomes. • Subjects significantly preferred prosthetic feet with relatively low to moderate flat regions over those with long flat regions. • Subjects without loss of light touch or vibratory sensation selected prosthetic foot with shortest flat region.

5. Conclusion • Shape&Roll Prosthetic Foot provides a simple and inexpensive approach for testing effects of foot conditions on mobility and balance. • However, the changes in prosthetic foot conditions were subtle and perhaps not drastic enough to lead to balance and mobility changes. • Future studies should investigate more pronounced differences in flat surface conditions.