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Microprocessor prosthetic limbs

29.10.2013

Modern prostheses for legs provide good mobility for people deprived of limbs. However, all prostheses have one drawback - they make a person's gait unnatural. As a result, almost half of leg amputees experience difficulty walking each year, stumble and fall.

Now, researchers from the Mayo Clinic, in collaboration with scientists from the Michigan Technological University (USA), have taken an important step to solve this problem. They create bionic legs that feel like they move just like normal legs. During a walk, a person with an amputated leg will not notice discomfort, and others will not notice any features in the gait.

The whole secret lies in the ankle. Scientists are working on the creation of an ankle prosthesis, which is controlled by a microprocessor. This is a very complex joint, but the engineers managed to bring its mobility as close as possible to the natural one. The computerized prosthesis is equipped with a sensitive sensor that detects pressure in the lower legs and determines how the person walks. The sensor instantly sends signals to the microprocessor, which in turn adjusts the prosthesis so that the gait becomes more natural.

Currently, microprocessor-controlled prostheses available to amputees can only move an artificial leg in one direction, which is only convenient if the person is walking straight ahead. But in ordinary life, a person moves in different directions, crosses obstacles, turns, turns around, etc. The new ankle joint, developed by engineers at Michigan Technological University and physicians at Mayo Clinic, can move in two axes, including roll to the side, as well as lifting the legs up and down. In addition, the developers have moved the prosthesis control mechanism up. This facilitates the use of the prosthesis, makes it more convenient and simple.

For their study, the team designed and built a large, circular treadmill that has a robotic leg walking in circles. In tests, the prosthesis could simulate human walking in a straight line and with turns. Currently, scientists are finalizing the prosthesis and are making every effort to make it accessible to amputees.

The new prosthesis will not only improve walking agility, but will also make walking safer. After all, for many people with amputated legs, falls are a common occurrence. The bionic leg will reduce the chance of falling to a minimum.

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