The influence of a microprocessor-controlled hydraulic ankle on the kinetic symmetry of trans-tibial amputees during ramp walking: A case series.

Background: Asymmetrical limb loading is believed to cause health problems for lower limb amputees and is exacerbated when walking on slopes. Hydraulically damped ankle-feet improve ground compliance on slopes compared to conventional prosthetic feet. Microprocessor-controlled hydraulic ankle-feet provide further adaptation by dynamically adjusting viscoelastic damping properties.

Methods: Using a case series design, gait analysis was performed with four trans-tibial amputees. There were two walking conditions (ramp ascent and descent) and two prosthetic foot conditions (microprocessor-control on and off - MPF-on and MPF-off). Total support moment integral (