Multifunctional above-knee prosthesis for stairs' walking.

The multifunctional above-knee prosthesis WLP-7R (Waseda Leg Prosthesis - type 7 Refined) described in this study allows amputees to descend and ascend stairs with no external power sources. With the hydraulic circuit mounted in the shank, the ankle joint and the knee joint mutually conterbalance during stance phase in stair walking as well as level walking so that the following performances are obtained. The yielding (flexing) of the knee joint is prevented and smooth advance from stance-phase to swing-phase is realized in level walking. The gradual yielding of the knee joint and the ankle joint while sustaining full body weight is realized in stair descent. Reciprocal stepping with sound and disabled legs during stair ascent is also realised although the powerful extension of the knee joint during stance phase is not possible. The performance of the WLP-7R was examined by a walking experiment in which amputees could descend and ascend the stairs as well as walk on a flat surface after approximately one hour's training.