Article

People with amputation are at increased risk of falling compared with
age-matched, nondisabled individuals. This may partly reflect amputation-related
changes to minimum toe clearance (MTC) that could increase the incidence of trips
and fall risk. This study determined the contribution of an active dorsiflexing
prosthesis to MTC. We hypothesized that regardless of speed or incline the active
dorsiflexion qualities of the ProprioFoot would significantly increase MTC and
decrease the likelihood of tripping. Eight people with transtibial amputation
walked on a treadmill with their current foot at two grades and three velocities,
then repeated the protocol after 4 wk of accommodation with the ProprioFoot. A
mixed-model, repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to compare MTC.
Curves representing the likelihood of tripping were derived from the MTC
distributions and a multiple regression was used to determine the relative
contributions of hip, knee, and ankle angles to MTC. Regardless of condition, MTC
was approximately 70% larger with the ProprioFoot (p < 0.001) and the likelihood
of tripping was reduced. Regression analysis revealed that MTC with the
ProprioFoot was sensitive to all three angles, with sensitivity of hip and ankle
being greater. Overall, the ProprioFoot may increase user safety by decreasing
the likelihood of tripping and thus the pursuant likelihood of a fall.

Langue : ANGLAIS