Article

Amputees walk with an asymmetrical gait, which may lead to future
musculoskeletal degenerative changes.
The purpose of this study was to compare the gait asymmetry of active transfemoral amputees while using a passive
mechanical knee joint or a microprocessor-controlled knee joint. METHODS: Objective 3D gait measurements were obtained in 15 subjects (12 men and 3 women;
age 42, range 26-57). Research participants were longtime users of a mechanical
prosthesis (mean 20years, range 3-36years). Joint symmetry was calculated using a
novel method that includes the entire waveform throughout the gait cycle.
FINDINGS: There was no significant difference in hip, knee and ankle kinematics
symmetry when using the different knee prostheses. In contrast, the results
demonstrated a significant improvement in lower extremity joint kinetics symmetry
when using the microprocessor-controlled knee.
INTERPRETATION: Use of the
microprocessor-controlled knee joint resulted in improved gait symmetry. These
improvements may lead to a reduction in the degenerative musculoskeletal changes
often experienced by amputees.
CI - Copyright (c) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS