Article

For individuals with transfemoral amputation, walking with a
prosthesis presents challenges to stability and increases the demand on the hip
of the prosthetic limb. Increasing age or comorbidities magnify these challenges.
Computerized prosthetic knee joints improve stability and efficiency of gait, but
are seldom prescribed for less physically capable walkers who may benefit from
them. OBJECTIVE: To compare level walking function while wearing a
microprocessor-controlled knee (C-Leg Compact) prosthesis to a traditionally
prescribed non-microprocessor-controlled knee prosthesis for Medicare Functional
Classification Level K-2 walkers. STUDY DESIGN: Crossover. METHODS: Stride
characteristics, kinematics, kinetics, and electromyographic activity were
recorded in 10 participants while walking with non-microprocessor-controlled knee
and Compact prostheses. RESULTS: Walking with the Compact produced significant
increase in velocity, cadence, stride length, single-limb support, and heel-rise
timing compared to walking with the non-microprocessor-controlled knee
prosthesis. Hip and thigh extension during late stance improved bilaterally.
Ankle dorsiflexion, knee extension, and hip flexion moments of the prosthetic
limb were significantly improved. CONCLUSIONS: Improvements in walking function
and stability on the prosthetic limb were demonstrated by the K-2 level walkers
when using the C-Leg Compact prosthesis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Understanding the
impact of new prosthetic designs on gait mechanics is essential to improve
prescription guidelines for deconditioned or older persons with transfemoral
amputation. Prosthetic designs that improve stability for safety and walking
function have the potential to improve community participation and quality of
life.
CI - (c) The International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics 2013.

Langue : ANGLAIS