Article

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of using a microprocessor-controlled prosthetic
knee joint on the functional performance of activities of daily living in persons
with an above-knee leg amputation. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of using a
microprocessor-controlled prosthetic knee joint on the functional performance of
activities of daily living in persons with an above-knee leg amputation. DESIGN:
Randomised cross-over trial. SUBJECTS: Forty-one persons with unilateral
above-knee or knee disarticulation limb loss, classified as Medicare Functional
Classification Level-2 (MFCL-2). METHODS: Participants were measured in 3
conditions, i.e. using a mechanically controlled knee joint and two types of
microprocessor-controlled prosthetic knee joints. Functional performance level
was assessed using a test in which participants performed 17 simulated activities
of daily living (Assessment of Daily Activity Performance in Transfemoral
amputees test). Performance time was measured and self-perceived level of
difficulty was scored on a visual analogue scale for each activity. RESULTS: High
levels of within-group variability in functional performance obscured detection
of any effects of using a microprocessor-controlled prosthetic knee joint. Data
analysis after stratification of the participants into 3 subgroups, i.e.
participants with a "low", "intermediate" and "high" functional mobility level,
showed that the two higher functional subgroups performed significantly faster
using microprocessor-controlled prosthetic knee joints. CONCLUSION: MFCL-2
amputees constitute a heterogeneous patient group with large variation in
functional performance levels. A substantial part of this group seems to benefit
from using a microprocessor-controlled prosthetic knee joint when performing
activities of daily living.

Langue : ANGLAIS