Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development 1R43HD117457-01

A novel pediatric prosthetic foot for functional multi-axial mobility during active play

This award funds the development of a pediatric prosthetic foot designed for multi-axial mobility during active play, focusing on technical feasibility, durability, and commercialization potential.

Description

The goal of this SBIR development project is to establish the technical merit, feasibility, and potential for commercialization of a mechanical prosthetic foot-ankle with normalized ankle range of motion (RoM) that can be adjusted for children during diverse activities. The project builds on previous NIH-funded work that resulted in the Meta Arc prosthetic foot, which features polycentric ankle movement for stability on uneven terrain. This project aims to develop a pediatric-specific prosthetic foot that addresses the unique needs of children, including activities on uneven terrain and dynamic movements like hopscotch. During Phase I, a pediatric-specific design will be completed, stakeholder focus groups will validate design choices, and standardized mechanical testing will ensure durability and performance. The resulting prototype aims to be safe for long-term at-home trials, enhancing mobility and participation in active play, which is vital for children's development.

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