A new study demonstrated that neural control of a powered prosthetic ankle can restore a range of abilities, including standing on challenging surfaces and squatting. Researchers worked with five people who had amputations below the knee on one leg. Study participants were fitted with a prototype robotic prosthetic ankle that responds to EMG signals that are picked up by sensors on the leg. Researchers conducted general training for study participants using the prototype device, so that they were somewhat familiar with the technology.
Study participants were then tasked with responding to an expected perturbation, meaning they had to respond to something that might throw off their balance. To replicate the conditions precisely over the course of the study, the researchers developed a mechanical system designed to challenge the stability of participants. Study participants were asked to respond to the expected perturbation under two conditions: using the prosthetic devices they normally used; and using the robotic prosthetic prototype. Results showed that study participants were significantly more stable when using the robotic prototype.
More information:
https://news.ncsu.edu/2023/10/robotic-ankles-move-naturally/