Gwyn O'Sullivan, a PhD student in RMCOEH’s Ergonomics and Safety program, was awarded Best Doctoral Student Poster in Session 1 at the 15th Annual Rocky Mountain American Society of Biomechanics (ASB) Meeting. O’Sullivan presented her innovative research on improving prosthetic foot design to better replicate the natural mechanics of biological walking. Her project explores the connection between articulated ankle and toe joints in prosthetic devices to enhance energy transfer and achieve net positive energy during walking. This is an advancement that could significantly improve gait efficiency for lower-limb amputees.
O’Sullivan’s work involved simulating a prosthetic foot in MATLAB, using real-world ankle and toe motion data to optimize the design. Her findings demonstrated that by unlocking and articulating the toe joint and linking it to the ankle with a spring, energy typically dissipated at the toe could be recycled back into the ankle. This resulted in an increase in power and a net positive energy output at push-off — an important milestone in the development of passive prostheses. Her research not only showcases cutting-edge biomechanical innovation but also holds great promise for improving mobility and quality of life for amputees.
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