Biomechanical accommodation to an ankle-foot prosthesis: an analysis of new users within the first year of ambulation

There exists no clear guidance for the biomechanical accommodation period to a prosthetic device for persons with lower limb loss. As such, studies have utilized accommodation periods ranging from 5 minutes to >1 year before commencing data collection [1], potentially limiting reliability and validity in prosthetic device research. Here, we examined intact and prosthetic ankle-foot mechanical work production at five time points during the initial year of independent ambulation with a prosthesis among 22 males with unilateral, transtibial limb loss. Leading and trailing mechanical work were similar throughout the year; however, the greatest qualitative change in occurred during the first 4 months, possibly indicating (biomechanical) accommodation after this time point.