Static and fatigue strength characterization of a custom-made Running Prosthetic Foot

Engineering of Sport 15 - Proceedings from the 15th International Conference on the Engineering of Sport (ISEA 2024) Recent advancements in Running Prosthetic Feet (RPF) have elevated athletes with lower limb amputations to elite performances. However, several aspects regarding static and fatigue structural integrity remain unknown. The absence of standardized test protocols for static and fatigue assessment of RPF, coupled with manufacturers’ limited disclosure beyond stiffness Category, creates an information gap. A method for estimating static and fatigue life properties of RPF is needed. With this aim, a custom-made RPF was chosen as case study to introduce a method for assessing static and fatigue strength of general RPF when very few information is known, and a very small number of specimens are available.  </p

Comparison of long jump GRFs and “flex over shape” curves of able-bodied and paralympic amputee athletes

Engineering of Sport 15 - Proceedings from the 15th International Conference on the Engineering of Sport (ISEA 2024) Running-specific prostheses (RSPs) have enabled people with lower limb amputations to substantially increase their performance in sports competitions. Long jumping is one of the disciplines in which prostheses are enabling athletes to compete at the highest level, achieving performance comparable to that of able-bodied athletes. The aim of the current work is to analyze long jumping biomechanics of two able bodied athletes and of an elite Paralympic transtibial athlete, focusing on Ground Reaction Forces (GRFs) and Roll Over Shape (ROS). Data collected will be used by orthopedic technicians to optimize the RPS setup, by trainers to improve athletes performance and by engineers for in-vitro RSP correct mechanical characterization.</p