Comparison of Loading-Displacement Relationships and Energy-Storing Properties of the Jaipur Foot Against Low-, Mid-, and High-Activity Prosthetic Feet Using Static Proof Testing

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction The Jaipur foot is a low-cost prosthetic foot developed in Jaipur, India. Despite its worldwide use, few data are available on its mechanical properties. In general, there is a lack of objective data on the mechanical performance of prosthetic feet, hindering the objectivity of the prosthetic foot prescription process. The aim of this project was to compare the properties of the Jaipur foot with three prosthetic feet of differing activity levels (a SACH foot and two ESPFs) used commonly in the UK National Health Service (NHS), specifically evaluating loading-displacement relationships and energy-storing properties. Materials and Methods Static proof testing was performed on the four prosthetic feet (BMVSS Jaipur foot, 1D10 Dynamic, 1C30 Trias, and 1C60 Triton) using ISO:10328 methods. Loading-displacement graphs for the forefoot and heel were produced, from which instantaneous stiffness at forces typical of walking and running was produced and energy-storing properties were calculated. Results The Jaipur foot demonstrated the highest heel stiffness at both walking and running forces, the highest forefoot stiffness at walking forces, and the lowest energy return of the four feet overall. The ESPFs demonstrated the lowest forefoot stiffness, along with the highest energy returns. Conclusions Although low cost and cultural requirements should be taken into account, these data have demonstrated the inferior energy-storing properties of the Jaipur foot compared with Western prosthetic feet, using ISO methods to allow future cross-study comparison. Clinical Relevance The mechanical and energy-storing data from this study can be compared with other research using ISO methods to make the prosthetic prescription process more objective, allowing the most appropriate choices to be made for patients.