Evaluation of dynamic alignment is important in assessing the fit of lower leg prostheses, but there is no objective indicator, and the skill of the physician or prosthetist who determines fit is affected by this. The purpose of this study was to develop software focusing on dynamic alignment and to report on its accuracy and actual use. At the time of the fit decision, the patient’s gait was imaged using a smart phone device. Original software was used to measure the mechanical axis angle (MAA) during initial the contact (IC), midstance (MSt), and terminal stance (TSt). In addition, the difference between MAA during HC and MAA during MS was calculated. The percentage of cases that met the fit criteria, and intra-assessor and inter-assessor errors were evaluated. Fifty-five of 59 cases (93.2%) measured with the software were judged as proper alignment. Intra- and inter-rater errors ranged from 0.6 to 1.0 degrees for each index. The software developed in this study has the potential to provide prostheses with proper alignment in a short time without being affected by the skill of the fit examiner.

The purpose of this study was to clarify the effects of wearing walking support devices on walking speed and joint moments in stroke patients with hemiplegia. Some walking support devices are designed for healthy people and are said to increase the internal hip joint extension moment during mid-stance when worn. The effects on walking of hemiplegic patients were analyzed kinematically. Walking with and without the device was measured in 10 patients with hemiplegia. Wearing a walking support device increased walking speed, stride length on the paralyzed side, step length, and the maximum moment of internal hip extension in the mid-stance leg period. It is thought that new clinical significance has been found in the effectiveness of wearing walking support devices in hemiplegic patients whose walking speed, stride, and hip extension moment are likely to be restricted.

Prosthetic users face various challenges across multiple domains to enjoy sports using running-specific prostheses, blades. Addressing these challenges requires collaboration among stakeholders from all sectors.