Article

Previously conducted trials comparing the gait pattern of individuals with a
transfemoral amputation using a user-adaptive and a non-microprocessor-controlled
prosthetic knee (NMPK) found mixed and conflicting results.
Few trials, however,
have compared user-adaptive to non-adaptive prosthetic knees across different
walking speeds. Because of the ability of variable damping, the effect of
user-adaptive knees might be more pronounced at lower or higher walking speeds.
Our aim was to compare the Rheo Knee II (a microprocessor-controlled prosthetic
knee) with NMPKs across varying walking speeds. In addition, we studied
compensatory mechanisms associated with non-optimal prosthetic knee kinematics,
such as intact ankle vaulting and vertical acceleration of the pelvis. Nine
persons with a transfemoral amputation or knee disarticulation were included and
measured with their own NMPK and with the Rheo Knee II. Measurements were
performed at three walking speeds: preferred walking speed, 70% preferred walking
speed and 115% preferred walking speed. No differences on peak prosthetic knee
flexion during swing were found between prosthetic knee conditions. In addition,
prosthetic knee flexion increased significantly with walking speed for both
prosthetic knee conditions. At 70% preferred walking speed we found that vaulting
of the intact ankle was significantly decreased while walking with the Rheo Knee
II compared to the NMPK condition (P=0.028). We did not find differences in peak
vertical acceleration of the pelvis during initial and mid-swing of the
prosthetic leg. In conclusion, comparison of walking with the Rheo Knee II to
walking with a NMPK across different walking speeds showed limited differences in
gait parameters.
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