Article

Balance during walking is of high importance to prosthesis users and may affect
walking during baseline observation and evaluation.
The aim of this study was to
determine whether changes in walking balance occurred during an adaptation period
following the fitting of a new prosthetic component. Margin of stability in the
medial-lateral direction (MOSML) and an anterior instability margin (AIM) were
used to quantify the dynamic balance of 21 unilateral transtibial amputees during
overground walking. Participants trialled two prosthetic feet presenting
contrasting movement/balance constraints; a Higher Activity foot similar to that
of their own prosthesis, and a Lower Activity foot. Participants were assessed
before (Visit 1) and after (Visit 2) a 3-week adaptation period on each foot.
With the Higher Activity component, MOSML decreased on the prosthetic side, and
increased on the sound side from Visit 1 to Visit 2, eliminating a significant
inter-limb difference apparent at Visit 1 (Visit 1-sound=0.062m,
prosthetic=0.075m, p=0.018; Visit 2-sound=0.066m, prosthetic=0.074m, p=0.084). No
such change was seen with the Lower Activity foot (Visit 1-sound=0.064m,
prosthetic=0.077m, p=0.007; Visit 2-sound=0.063m, prosthetic=0.080m, p<0.001).
Significant changes in AIM were observed at Visit 2 (Visit 1: -0.16 (0.08) m,
Visit 2: -0.17 (0.08) m; F=23.396, p<0.01). These findings suggest that changes
in balance during walking can occur following the initial receipt of a device
regardless of whether the component is of the same functional category as the one
an individual is accustomed to using.
CI - Copyright (c) 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Langue : ANGLAIS