Article

Substantial evidence suggests that the design and associated mechanical function
of lower-limb prostheses affects user health and mobility, supporting common
standards of clinical practice for appropriate matching of prosthesis design and
user needs. This matching process is dependent on accurate and reliable methods
for the functional classification of prosthetic components. The American Orthotic
& Prosthetic Association developed a set of tests for L-code characterization of
prosthesis mechanical properties to facilitate functional classification of
passive below-knee prosthetic components. The mechanical tests require use of
test-specific fixtures to be installed in a materials testing machine by a test
administrator. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the interrater
reliability of test outcomes between two administrators using the same testing
facility. Ten prosthetic components (8 feet and 2 pylons) that spanned the range
of commercial designs were subjected to all appropriate tests. Tests with scalar
outcomes demonstrated high interrater reliability (intraclass correlation
coefficient(2,1) >/= 0.935), and there was no discrepancy in observation-based
outcomes between administrators, suggesting that between-administrator
variability may not present a significant source of error. These results support
the integration of these mechanical tests for prosthesis classification, which
will help enhance objectivity and optimization of the prosthesis-patient matching
process for maximizing rehabilitation outcomes.

Langue : ANGLAIS