In current clinical prosthetic practice, there is no evidence based method for selecting a microprocessor knee (MPK) joint for a patient with an above the knee amputation. Of individuals with amputation in veteran and service member populations, approximately 35% present with an above the knee amputation. It is well understood in clinical practice that MPKs provide numerous benefits to patients with amputations above the knee including improved gait, safety, comfort, confidence, reduced falls, balance, patient satisfaction and reduced energy expenditure, greater ease in negotiating varying terrains, improvements in multi-tasking and cost effectiveness. Studies that have investigated commercially available MPKs tend to lump all of them together within a single group rather than teasing out individual differences between each knee. Therefore, clinicians are left to rely on their own intuition and past experiences with an MPK when selecting for a patient with an above the knee amputation rather than making their decision based on evidence collected from the specific patient. This may mean that some individuals with an above the knee amputation may not be receiving the best component for them which may delay or inhibit their rehabilitation potential following their amputation.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
11
Microprocessor prosthetic knees for use in a transfemoral prosthesis
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Ten Meter Walking Test
Self selected walking speed over ten meters of walking over ground.
Time frame: 1 month
Two Minute Walking Test
Self selected walking speed over two minutes of walking over ground.
Time frame: 1 month
Prosthetic Evaluation Questionnaire (PEQ)
A patient reported survey on perceptions of a prosthesis. Scores range zero to one hundred with zero being representing a negative patient reported outcome and one hundred representing a positive patient reported outcome.
Time frame: 1 month
Stance Time Asymmetry Index
Stance time asymmetry index measures the percent difference in stance time between the prosthetic and sound side limbs. A value equal to zero is indicative of perfect symmetry. Negative values of ST asymmetry index are indicative of increased time spent on the sound side and positive values are indicative of increased time on the prosthetic side.
Time frame: 1 month
Narrowing Beam Walking Test
A measure of balance via walking down a narrowing beam.
Time frame: 1 month
Reported Falls
Average reported falls per day.
Time frame: 1 month
Physiological Cost Index
A clinical measure of energy expenditure. This formula consists of working heart minus resting heart rate divided by speed.
Time frame: 1 month
Stair Ascent Speed
Self selected walking speed during stair ascent.
Time frame: 1 month
Stair Descent Speed
Self selected walking speed while descending stairs.
Time frame: 1 month
Ramp Ascent Speed
Self selected walking speed while ascending a 5 degree incline.
Time frame: 1 month
Ramp Descent Speed
Self selected walking speed while descending a 5 degree incline.
Time frame: 1 month
Steps Per Day
Steps per day as measured by StepWatch.
Time frame: 1 month
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.