Journal of Clinical Physiotherapy Research

Abstract

Background: Lower limb prostheses have evolved significantly over the past few decades, driven by advancements in materials, design, and technology aimed at restoring mobility and decreasing energy consumption for individuals with amputations. This study aims to review articles that investigate the energy consumption of lower limb prostheses, focusing on how design characteristics, material properties, and user-specific factors influence energy efficiency and functional performance.

Material and Method: This literature review examines ten peer-reviewed articles that explore the multifaceted factors influencing energy consumption in lower limb prostheses. The review focuses on design characteristics, material properties, and user-specific variables, employing a comprehensive search strategy across multiple academic databases to identify relevant studies published up to November 2024.

Result: The analysis reveals that traditional prosthetic limbs often require more energy to operate than biological limbs, leading to increased fatigue and reduced mobility for users. Recent innovations, including lightweight materials such as carbon fiber and thermoplastics, along with smart technologies like electromyography (EMG) sensors and adaptive control systems, have significantly improved energy efficiency and functional performance.

Conclusion: The review underscores the importance of personalized fitting and rehabilitation strategies to optimize user experience. Additionally, it highlights the socio-economic implications of energy-efficient prosthetic devices, which have the potential to lower healthcare costs and promote greater independence for users. Future research should focus on further optimizing prosthetic designs to enhance the quality of life for amputees.