Collection of Structural Loads Acting on Instrumented Running Specific Prostheses during Field Tests on Elite Atletes

Abstract: The knowledge of loads acting on Running Specific Prostheses (RSP), and in particular, on Running Prosthetic Feet (RPF) is crucial for evaluating the athlete’s running technique, designing RPF, and developing models of the runners. The aim of this work was to develop a set of instrumented RPF (iRPF) suitable for track data collection of start, sprinting, and whole run-in and take-off of long jump. The system allows measuring with a portable data logger forces acting on the foot clamp on multiple steps of the athlete without modifying the RSP behavior: The method involves strain gauge bridges applied to each RPF in a configuration that allows decoupling the loads parallel and normal to the foot clamp during the stance phase. Comparison with literature data and validation against force platform data gave confirmation of the validity of the method in the estimation of determinants of sprint performance.