The intended use of the design is in athletic applications, but mainly in running.

Requirements for Device

    • Prosthetic should be comfortable to wear during heavy excursions.
    • Prosthetic should generally emulate human limbs in terms of energy usage [14].
    • Stress on the prosthetic should be distributed throughout the prosthetic.
    • The material used should be light, yet durable.

Limitations in Current Designs

  • The rubber coupling used in current prosthetics [13] may cause contact allergies and irritation to those sensitive to rubber, and otherwise may be uncomfortable for the patient [15].
  • Running blades currently use less cost effective materials [16].

A runner using a prosthetic leg in an athletic competition [14].

References

[13]: “A Guide to Activity-Specific Prosthetics For Sports.” Amputee Coalition, 16 July 2020, www.amputee-coalition.org/activity-specific-sports-prosthetics/. 

[14]: Butter, Susannah. “Running on Blades… the Role of Technology in Paralympics.” Evening Standard, 4 Sept. 2012, www.standard.co.uk/olympics/olympic-news/running-on-blades-the-role-of-technology-in-paralympics-8104167.html.
[15]: “‘Swim Fin for Leg Amputees’ in Patent Application Approval Process.” Politics & Government Week, NewsRX LLC, 2015, p. 3820–.

[16]: Gao, Z., et al., Graphene reinforced carbon fibers. Sci Adv, 2020. 6(17): p. Eaaz4191.