Article

The large majority of prosthetic feet are aimed at low-heeled shoes, with a few
models allowing a heel height of up to 5 cm. However, a survey by the American
Podiatric Medical Association indicates that most women wear heels over 5 cm;
thus, current prosthetic feet limit most female prosthesis users in their choice.
Some prosthetic foot components are heel-height adjustable; however, their
plantar surface shapes do not change to match the insole shapes of the shoes with
different heel heights. The aims of the study were therefore (1) to develop a
model that allows prediction of insole shape for various heel height shoes in
combination with different shoe sizes and (2) to develop and field-test low-cost
prototypes of prosthetic feet whose insole shapes were based on the new model. An
equation was developed to calculate insole shapes independent of shoe size. Field
testing of prototype prosthetic feet fabricated based on the equation was
successful and demonstrated the utility of the equation.

Langue : ANGLAIS