ABSTRACT
Because of geographical conditions in Japan, most of our rice is grown in paddies. It is very hard to work in paddies wearing a prosthesis.<BR>The type of prosthesis, called the “DOLINGEL” or “Iron Leg”, are not suitable in paddies. The followings were our research and development objections;<BR>1. To select strong light materials and design for the new prosthesis.<BR>2. To have a simple design which could be cleaned easily after use.<BR>3. To consider the problem of skin irritation on the stump end.<BR>4. To select the best foot shape for easy lifting from the mud. From the above objectives, we improved it after actual use.<BR>A summary of our improvement;<BR>Aluminium was used as the main material for its light weight. The lower leg was made of plastic for its ease of clearing.<BR>Regarding the knee joint settlement during work;<BR>The old prosthesis was too unsteady to permit the worker to carry things. So we reconstructed it. By bending it forward, putting a long boot on the prosthesis was very easier. We used a system where by the whole lower leg section can be changed by a “one touch” prosedure. We put rubber on the sole to prevent slipping. We put a belt on the affected side. Its design is the result of our experiments and of actual field use.