Running Blades

    • Type of running specific prostheses (RSPs)
    • Carbon fiber attachment where the residual limb is placed in the socket [12].
    • Replicate the spring-like nature of running
      • Imitates the mechanics of the body’s elastic structures (tendons/muscles)
        • Generation, storage, and return of mechanical energy and absorption of force [11].

  • Limitations

    • Stiff, cannot generate new mechanical energy, can only return 63% – 95% of the stored elastic energy [11].

Figure showing the Cheetah Xtend and Cheetah Xtreme, two models of RSPs [12].

References

[11]: Beck, Owen N., et al. “Characterizing the Mechanical Properties of Running-Specific Prostheses.” PloS One, vol. 11, no. 12, Public Library of Science (PLoS), 2016, p. e0168298–, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0168298.

[12]: Grobler, Lara, et al. “Characterisation of the Responsive Properties of Two Running-Specific Prosthetic Models.” Prosthetics and Orthotics International, vol. 41, no. 2, SAGE Publications, 2016, pp. 141–48, doi:10.1177/0309364616660249.