Article

OBJECTIVE: To determine the energy cost of walking (ECW) of a bionic foot
(Proprio-Foot(R)) during ambulation on floor and on treadmill (at different
slopes) compared to walking with a dynamic carbon fiber foot (DCF). We evaluated
transtibial amputees (TTAs) perceived mobility with the prosthesis and their
walking ability on stairs and ramps. METHOD: TTAs were enrolled. The ECW tests
were conducted on a regular floor surface and on treadmill with -5%, 0% and 12%
slopes. In all conditions, TTAs were asked to walk at their own self-selected
speed. Metabolic and cardiac data were collected using a portable gas analyzer.
Tests were performed at six data collection points: first with a standard suction
system (SSS) and the DCF; second, with the DCF after 7 weeks of using a hypobaric
suspension system (HSS) with the DCF; third, after 1 h of Proprio-Foot(R) use
together with the HSS; three more testing sessions were carried out at 30-day
intervals, i.e., after 30, 60 and 90 days of Proprio-Foot(R) use together with
the HSS. TTAs perceived mobility using the prosthesis and walking ability on
stairs and ramps were assessed. RESULTS: Ten TTAs completed the measurements. ECW
with the Proprio-Foot(R) obtained in the final floor-walking test was
significantly lower than ECW with the DCF (p=0.002). No significant improvements
were observed for perceived mobility or walking ability. CONCLUSIONS: Results
suggest that use of the Proprio-Foot(R) can lower the ECW for TTAs in spite of its added weight compared to DCF.
CI - Copyright (c) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS