Dynamic characterisation of Össur Flex-Run prosthetic feet for a more informed prescription

Background: The current method of prescribing composite Energy Storing and 6 Returning (ESR) feet is subjective and is based only on the amputee’s static body 7 weight/mass. 8 Objectives: The aim is to investigate their unique design features through identifying 9 and analysing their dynamic characteristics, utilising modal analysis, to determine 10 their mode shapes, natural damping and natural frequencies. Full understanding of 11 the dynamic characteristics can inform on how to tune a foot to match an amputee’s 12 gait and body condition. 13 Methods: This paper presents the modal analysis results of the full range of Össur 14 Flex-Run running feet that are commercially available (1LO-9LO). 15 Results: It is shown that both the undamped natural frequency and stiffness increase 16 linearly from the lowest to highest stiffness category of foot. The effect of over-load 17 and under-loading on natural frequencies is also presented. The damping factor for 18 each foot has been experimentally determined and it was found to be ranging 19 between 1.5-2.0%. An analysis of the mode shapes also showed a unique design 20 feature of these feet that is hypothesised to enhance their performance. 21 Conclusions: A better understanding of the feet dynamic characteristics can help to 22 tune the feet to the user’s requirements. 23 (194 words

A systematic review of peer mentoring interventions for people with traumatic brain injury

Objective: This systematic review sought evidence concerning the effectiveness of peer mentoring for people with traumatic brain injury. Data sources: Fourteen electronic databases were searched, including PsycINFO, MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library, from inception to September 21 2016. Ten grey literature databases, PROSPERO, two trials registers, reference lists and author citations were also searched. Review methods: Studies which employed a model of one-to-one peer mentoring between traumatic brain injury survivors were included. Two reviewers independently screened all titles and abstracts before screening full texts of shortlisted studies. A third reviewer resolved disagreements. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed studies for quality and risk of bias. Results: The search returned 753 records, including one identified through hand searching. 495 records remained after removal of duplicates and 459 were excluded after screening. Full texts were assessed for the remaining 36 studies and six met the inclusion criteria. All were conducted in the United States between 1996 and 2012 and employed a variety of designs including two randomised controlled trials. A total of 288 people with traumatic brain injury participated in the studies. No significant improvements in social activity level or social network size were found, but significant improvements were shown in areas including behavioural control, mood, coping and quality of life. Conclusion: There is limited evidence for the effectiveness of peer mentoring after traumatic brain injury. The available evidence comes from small-scale studies, of variable quality, without detailed information on the content of sessions or the ‘active ingredient’ of the interventions

Simulation of gait asymmetry and energy transfer efficiency between unilateral and bilateral amputees

Efficient walking or running requires symmetrical gait. Gait symmetry is one of the key factors in efficient human dynamics, kinematics and kinetics. The desire of individuals with a lower-limb amputation to participate in sports has resulted in the development of energy-storing and-returning (ESR) feet. This paper analyses a case study to show the effect of symmetry and asymmetry as well as energy transfer efficiency during periodic jumping between simulated bilateral and unilateral runners. A custom gait analysis system is developed as part of this project to track the motion of the body of a physically active subject during a set of predefined motions. Stance and aerial times are accurately measured using a high speed camera. Gait frequency, the level of symmetry and the non-uniform displacement between left and right foot and their effects on the position of the Centre of Mass (CM) were used as criteria to calculate both peak energies and transformation efficiency. Gait asymmetry and discrepancy of energy transfer efficiency between the intact foot and the ESR are observed. It is concluded that unilateral runners require excessive effort to compensate for lack of symmetry as well as asymmetry in energy transfer, causing fatigue which could be a reason why bilateral amputee runners using ESR feet have a superior advantage over unilateral amputees