Article

The purpose of this study was to clinically evaluate the automatic
stance-phase lock (ASPL) knee mechanism against participants' existing
weight-activated braking (WAB) prosthetic knee joint.
METHOD: This prospective
crossover study involved 10 young adults with an above-knee amputation. Primary
measurements consisted of tests of walking speeds and capacity. Heart rate was
measured during the six-minute walk test and the Physiological Cost Index (PCI)
which was calculated from heart rate estimated energy expenditure. Activity was
measured with a pedometer. User function and quality of life were assessed using
the Lower Limb Function Questionnaire (LLFQ) and Prosthetic Evaluation
Questionnaire (PEQ). Long-term follow-up over 12 months were completed. RESULTS:
Walking speeds were the same for WAB and APSL knees. Energy expenditure (PCI) was
lower for the ASPL knees (p = 0.007). Step counts were the same for both knees,
and questionnaires indicated ASPL knee preference attributed primarily to knee
stability and improved walking, while limitations included terminal impact noise.
Nine of 10 participants chose to keep using the ASPL knee as part of the
long-term follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Potential benefits of the ASPL knee were
identified in this study by functional measures, questionnaires and user
feedback, but not changes in activity or the PEQ.

Langue : ANGLAIS