Publication date: Available online 26 July 2018
Source: Gait & Posture
Author(s): Hossein Gholizadeh, Edward D. Lemaire, Emily H. Sinitski
ABSTRACT
Background
People with lower limb amputation may experience walking limitations on slopes because of missg musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems. Elevated vacuum suspension could benefit transtibial amputee gait for slope walking, but research is lacking to inform clinical practice.
Methods
Twelve people with unilateral transtibial amputation were fitted with the Unity elevated vacuum suspension system (Össur) and Pro-Flex XC foot. 3D motion analysis was performed for 7° incline, 7° decline, and level walking within a CAREN-Extended system virtual Park environment. Randomized and blinded walking trials were completed with the vacuum active or inactive.
Results
Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were found between vacuum conditions when walking uphill or downhill for temporal spatial, kinematic, and kinetic gait parameters; however, effect sizes were small (r≤0.35). Prosthetic step length decreased for both vacuum conditions on downhill compared to uphill walking. Symmetry index was <10% for step length, step time, and stance time for both vacuum condition during downhill walking, indicating acceptable symmetry. During incline walking, step length was only symmetrical with active vacuum. Knee range of motion was not restricted, for both conditions.
Conclusion
Active vacuum improved gait symmetry for incline walking, but the other differences between vacuum conditions were small and may not be clinically significant. Therefore, the Unity system approach for elevated vacuum suspension had a positive, but small, effect on walking and should maintain appropriate walking even with vacuum failure, until limb volume changes adversely affect socket fit (i.e., elevated vacuum helps control limb volume fluctuations over time).
from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2OknSNd
via IFTTT
Δεν υπάρχουν σχόλια:
Δημοσίευση σχολίου