Simulation and Optimization of the Takeoff Action and Prosthesis for Amputee Long Jump

Abstract

Sports prosthesis for lower extremity amputees has a mechanical structure similar to flat springs, and its elastic energy is expected to improve sports performance. In this study, we focus on a long jump event for track and field, in particular, on the takeoff action. The purpose of this study is to construct a computer simulation system that derives a comprehensive optimum solution for both the mechanical design parameters of the prosthesis and takeoff action to improve the performance of amputee long jump. A dynamics of human body was composed by a 10-rigid-links model to fit the target athlete. A mechanical relationship between deflection and force of the prosthesis was modeled as the flat spring theory. Parameters for the prosthesis and motion control were optimized by genetic algorithms to improve jumping distance. The takeoff action with 6 m jumping distance was reproduced after the optimization. Simulation results showed the prosthesis shape and takeoff action were related to the ground reaction force.