Do intrinsic foot muscles contribute to elastic energy storage and return?

In this paper, we present the first direct evidence that the intrinsic foot muscles also contribute to elastic energy storage and return within the human foot. Isometric contraction of the flexor digitorum brevis muscle tissue facilitates tendon stretch and recoil during controlled loading of the foot.

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.

Does the foot generate energy during non-steady-state locomotion?

While its function during other tasks is less clear, recent evidence suggests the foot and its intrinsic muscles can also generate or dissipate energy based on the energetic requirements of the center of mass during non-steady-state locomotion.

Do foot muscles contribute to energy dissipation and generation?

Our results indicate the foot's contributions to energy dissipation and generation remain relatively constant with increasing COM work demands. We observed a consistent reduction in work at the foot and ankle when the intrinsic foot muscles were unable to actively contribute to energy dissipation and generation.

What is an energy storing prosthetic foot?

There are currently no accepted definitions of what constitutes an "energy storing" prosthetic foot. In fact, there is currently no hard data to demonstrate any energy savings at all, despite numerous anecdotal reports.

What are the benefits of controlling the energy function of the foot?

An additional benefit of actively controlling the energetic function of the human foot is the potential to transform the foot from an energy conserving structure to that of an energy damper or motor, when locomotion requirements change.