抄録
The objective of this study was to propose the above-knee prosthesis for swimming which focuses on ankle joint motion. For this objective, we conducted experimental tests to examine the effects of ankle joint motion for prosthesis on swimming performance. In the experiment, one subject swimmer put on a standard endoskeletal prosthesis and the prosthesis which enabled four ankle joint conditions. The flutter kick and crawl swimming were performed. Questionnaire evaluations were also conducted. From the experimental results, 'supported by spring' prosthesis was acquired the best evaluation since the fluid force acting on the foot part of the prosthesis became equal to that on the normal foot. We showed the possibility that the swimming performance closer to that of healthy people with better balance can be achieved by the appropriate support of the ankle joint motion.
