Reciprocating gait in THKAFOs is enabled by what mechanism?

• A. Hydraulic actuators
• B. Steel cables connecting hips to allow reciprocal movement
• C. Independent leg advancement
• D. Eliminates need for a trunk band

Answer: (B)

Reciprocal gait in THKAFOs is achieved through a mechanical linkage that coordinates hip movement so that when one hip flexes, the other extends. This is provided by steel cables connecting the hips; as you initiate movement on one side, the cable system pulls the opposite hip into the corresponding motion, creating the alternating stepping pattern without needing separate hip flexion on each leg. Hydraulic actuators would imply powered, active joints not typical for standard THKAFOs. Independent leg advancement would not produce the coordinated reciprocal motion the device relies on. The trunk band mainly stabilizes the trunk and does not enable reciprocal hip movement by itself.