Article

OBJECTIVE: To determine changes in average daily step count (ADSC) and 6-minute
walk test (6MWT) due to use of low-activity feet (LA) and high-activity
energy-storage-and-return (ESAR) feet, and examine the sensitivity of these
measures to properly classify different prosthetic feet.
DESIGN: Individuals with
transtibial amputations (n = 28) participated in a 6-week, randomized crossover
study. During separate 3-week periods, participants wore either a LA foot (eg,
solid-ankle-cushioned-heel) or an ESAR foot. Differences in 6MWT and ADSC at the
end of the 3-week period were recorded. RESULTS: Subjects performed similarly in
the 6MWT with the LA and ESAR foot (P = 0.871) and ADSC (P = 0.076). The correct
classification of ESAR is only 51.9% and 61.5% with 6MWT and ADSC, respectively.
For the LA foot, correct classification is less than 50% for both tests.
CONCLUSIONS: Neither ADSC or 6MWT are responsive to changes in prosthetic feet.
The pitfalls and shortcomings of these instruments with regard to their ability
to detect differences in prosthetic feet are outlined. Based on these results, it
is not recommended that the 6MWT and ADSC are used as a means to assess outcomes
for different prosthetic feet.

Langue : ANGLAIS