What is an energy storage foot

What is energy storing feet?

In so called energy storing feet most of the energy is said not to be dissipated in the material, but stored in the spring mechanism that should release it during push-off. Quantities of energy storage and release, as calculated from gait analysis, are not only dependent on the material

What are energy storing and return prosthetic feet?

Energy storing and return prosthetic (ESAR) feet have been available for decades. These prosthetic feet include carbon fiber components, or other spring-like material, that allow storing of mechanical energy during stance and releasing this energy during push-off .

Is a safe foot the original energy storing foot?

Although not a brand new design, the SAFE foot (Stationary Ankle Flexible Endoskeleton) has recently been advertised as "the original energy storing foot." In our view, this may be stretching the point, since we believe the flexible keel serves primarily to dissipate energy as it accommodates to irregular surfaces.

Do energy storage and return feet provide energy return?

The direction of the inertial force, and therefore propulsion of the body centre of mass, was used to indicate the effect of the energy return by the energy storage and return feet. Results indicate that although energy storage and return feet may provide energy return, the work done around the prosthetic ankle indicates net power absorption.

Are energy storing and return (ESAR) feet a good choice?

Energy storing and return (ESAR) feet are generally preferred over solid ankle cushioned heel (SACH) feet by people with a lower limb amputation. While ESAR feet have been shown to have only limited effect on gait economy, other functional benefits should account for this preference.

Do energy storing feet have a spring mechanism?

The energy storing feet both show a spring mechanism while the others do not. Since it is generally known that the properties of the shoe (e.g. stiff or supple) influence the properties of the prosthetic foot during walking all subjects were provided with the same brand of supple shoes.