Introduction: The foot is a complex anatomical structure, crucial for movement and stance. It consists of 26 bones connected in an arch, which together with muscles and ligaments provide both static and dynamic mobility, as well as transmit and distribute the forces, generated during walking. The foot contains three plantar arches, capable of storing some of the energy. The energy is released during the push-off phase, contributing to more efficient movement. This system is disrupted by a transmetatarsal foot amputation. Although walking is still possible, it typically becomes asymmetric with shorter steps. Part of the lost function can be restored using various prosthetic solutions, such as custom-made orthopaedic shoes, silicone prostheses and carbon insoles. Because of its mechanical properties, carbon can store a certain amount of energy and act like a sort of spring, facilitating movement and improving the push-off function during walking. Purpose: The aim of this thesis was to design a custom carbon shoe insole for a person with a transmetatarsal foot amputation and to assess its impact on gait biomechanics. The carbon insole was also compared with other aids that the test subject currently uses, in order to evaluate its usability and effectiveness. Methods: Methods included a literature review and the practical manufacturing and testing of the custom carbon insole. A gait analysis was preformed using accelerometers with the subject’s silicone prosthesis and with shoes, which had an integrated carbon fiber element. Results: The results showed no significant differences in the spatio-temporal parameters of gait among the devices tested. The largest differences were found in measurements related to pronation range and velocity, as well as in the generated power. Differences in other parameters were less pronounced. Discussion and conclusion: The findings indicate that the carbon insole did not significantly affect the spatio-temporal parameters during short-distance walking, but it did reduce the magnitude and rate of pronation during mid-stance and altered the distribution of peak pressures between the feet. These results suggest that the individually designed carbon insole can be an effective solution for individuals with a transmetatarsal foot amputation and has good potential for further research.
|
