Article

Adding active power to a prosthetic knee unit may improve function and reduce the
potential for overuse injuries in persons with transfemoral amputation (TFA).
Servicemembers who have sustained a TFA are often young and motivated to perform
at high functional levels.
The goal of this article is to compare the
biomechanics of ramp and stair descent and ascent for participants using the
C-Leg and the Power Knee (PK). Subjects were asked to ascend and descend an
instrumented staircase and 12 degree ramp at their comfortable pace while
equipped with retroreflective markers. Temporal-spatial and kinetic data were
collected. Knee power generated by the nondisabled limb during stair ascent for
subjects wearing the C-Leg was significantly greater than for those wearing the
PK. Knee power generated by prosthetic knee units was significantly greater for
subjects while wearing the PK. Although the PK reduced the power required from
the nondisabled knee during stair climbing, it does not appear to be superior to
the C-Leg for other tasks. Adding power to a prosthetic knee may reduce wear on
the nondisabled limb; however, there are still limitations that require improvement.

Langue : ANGLAIS