Fig. 2From: Reducing stiffness of shock-absorbing pylon amplifies prosthesis energy loss and redistributes joint mechanical work during walkingTotal prosthetic limb power and work. Average power by the total prosthetic limb (n = 12) (A) and mechanical work were computed in the entire stance (B) and during each of the four sub-phases: collision (C), rebound (D), preload (E), and push-off (F). Collision (C) showed a stiffness effect. Faster walking speed produced greater work in the entire stance phase (B) and most sub-phases (C–E). Positive stance work (B) showed an interaction effect. Overall, the total prosthetic limb produced near zero net work in the entire stance phase (B). Significant stiffness, speed, and interaction effects are denoted by ‘*’, ‘ + ’, and ‘x’ symbols, respectivelyBack to article page