Sports carbon fiber energy storage feet

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 .

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.

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.

Why is carbon fibre used in aeronautics?

Two pieces of carbon fibre, a lightweight, flexible and strong material more commonly used in aeronautics at the time, were used to build a foot that more easily enabled sports participation ( Fig. 1 ). Each time body weight moves over this flexible foot, it compresses and energy is stored.

Are carbon fibre prostheses energy efficient?

Thus whilst the carbon fibre prostheses exhibit improved energy efficiency compared to other prostheses, they are unable to provide anywhere near the range of that of the human foot being passive systems.

Does energy storing and return (ESAR) prosthetic foot enhance center of mass propulsion?

In conclusion, this study showed that the energy storing and return (ESAR) prosthetic foot can enhance center of mass propulsion, thereby allowing a symmetric gait pattern while preserving the backward margin of stability.