Article

The purpose of this study was to compare Symmetry in External Work (SEW)
between a microprocessor-controlled foot and conventional prosthetic feet in two
groups with unilateral transtibial amputation (Medicare Functional Classification
Levels K-Level-2 and K-Level-3) during stair ascent and descent. Ten subjects
were evaluated while wearing three conventional prosthetic feet- solid ankle
cushion heel (SACH), stationary attachment flexible endoskeleton (SAFE), and
Talux-and the Proprio foot using a study socket and were given a 10- to 14-day
accommodation period with each foot. Ground reaction forces were collected using
F-scan sensors during stair ascent and descent. The SEW between the intact and
amputated limbs was calculated for each foot. During stair ascent, the Proprio
foot resulted in a higher interlimb symmetry than conventional prosthetic feet,
with significant differences between the Pro prio and SACH/SAFE feet. The
swing-phase dorsiflexion appeared to promote greater interlimb symmetry because
it facilitated forward motion of the body, resulting in a heel-to-toe center of
pressure trajectory. During stair descent, all feet had low symmetry without
significant differences between feet. The movement strategy used when descending
stairs, which is to roll over the edge of a step, had a greater influence on
symmetry than the dorsiflexion features of prosthetic feet.

Langue : ANGLAIS