The Bimodal Ankle for Mobility and Stability of Prosthesis Users

This Phase II project further develops and evaluates a prototype of the Bimodal Ankle Prosthesis (BAP) with the goal of improving balance and balance confidence of persons with lower-extremity amputations by developing a prosthetic ankle that has biomimetic modes for walking and standing. BAP provides flexibility for walking mobility and rigidity for standing stability. The objectives are to: (1) Develop (design and fabricate) a complete prototype incorporating a hydraulic actuator developed in Phase I that allows movement for walking and restricts movement for standing, (2) perform engineering verification of the BAP, and (3) perform controlled laboratory and field-use of the BAP with users of lower-extremity prosthesis. Anticipated outcomes include: (1) a BAP prototype that passes international standards, (2) clinical evidence supporting the effectiveness of the BAP features, and (3) commercialization by The Ohio Willow Wood Company.