The 'shape&roll' prosthetic foot: II. Field testing in El Salvador.
A field test was performed in El Salvador to evaluate the usefulness of the Shape&Roll prosthetic foot, a foot developed for low-income countries, involving 12 participants. Quantitative gait parameters were measured with a Direct Ultrasound Ranging System (DURS). Qualitative information was obtained from questionnaires administered before and after a three-week trial. The results indicate that the Shape&Roll foot widened the speed range of all participants. According to the questionnaires, the Shape&Roll foot eases walking, enabling participants to walk significantly longer distances. The participants rated its roll-over as very natural and smooth, resulting in a self-perceived reduced walking effort. Handling inclined and uneven surfaces was also rated superior to their current Solid Ankle Cushioned Heel (SACH)-like feet.
Meier
Margrit R
MR
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago 60611, USA. m-meier@northwestern.edu
Sam
Michel
M
Hansen
Andrew H
AH
Childress
Dudley S
DS
D000328:Adult; D001186:Artificial Limbs; D003906:Developing Countries; D004544:El Salvador; D005260:Female; D018409:Foot Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D017755:Prosthesis Fitting; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires