Nowadays, the use of prostheses is recognised as a critical rehabilitation tool for individuals who have experienced limb loss as a result of amputation in order to improve their quality of life and help them return to their activities of daily living. Prostheses offer the potential to help these individuals regain their mobility as well as optimise their physical function. Especially for unilateral transfemoral amputees, there are a number of physical challenges they face during prosthesis use. These challenges can manifest as posture, balance and weight transfer problems that prosthesis users face in their daily lives. Correcting trunk posture, increasing the ability to maintain static balance and optimising plantar load distribution are critical factors affecting the success of prosthesis use. These challenges faced by unilateral transfemoral amputees during prosthesis use are closely related to post-amputation biomechanical changes. These changes can often lead to problems with balance, gait and functionality during activities of daily living. There is no effective comparative study based on computerised analysis data on posture assessment, static balance and plantar pressure distribution of transfemoral amputees.The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of prosthesis use by comparing posture, balance, gait and plantar pressure parameters of unilateral transfemoral amputees at different prosthesis use periods
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
24
Plantar pressure, gait and static balance analysis performed using Ultium Insole SmartLead insoles.
Trunk posture analysis was performed using Diers Formetric 4D.
Lokman Hekim University
Ankara, Sogutozu, Turkey (Türkiye)
Plantar pressure analysis
It was evaluated using the insoles of the Ultium Insole SmartLead. This system is compatible with the Ultium EMG system and can be used in a portable laboratory environment. It is also capable of providing users with zoned and total normalised load-time curves. In addition, it provides users with data such as 3D pressure animations and pressure centre, enabling a more detailed analysis of load distribution. These features make load distribution analysis for clinical or research purposes more effective and user-friendly. It also provides the possibility to monitor relative load distribution during balancing and bilateral or unilateral exercise applications. Applications of this technology include static and dynamic load imbalance detection, and body sway analysis.
Time frame: Baseline
Gait analysis
Duration-distance characteristics of gait were evaluated using Ultium Insole SmartLead insoles. This system is compatible with the Ultium EMG system and can be used in a portable laboratory environment. It enables contact detection and quantitative analysis in walking, running and other dynamic activities. Applications of this technology include gait analysis, and running analysis.
Time frame: Baseline
Trunk posture analysis
Evaluated with the DIERS Formetric 4D Analysis System. The system offers the ability to perform fast and radiation-free static and dynamic (functional) optical measurements of the human spine. This system works without contact and can objectively analyse spinal posture, scoliosis and other spinal deformities with various clinical parameters.
Time frame: Baseline
Fear of falling
It was assessed with the International Falls Efficacy Scale (FES-I): Fear of falling can reduce a person's quality of life and lead to a range of negative consequences, including psychological distress, increased medication use, activity limitations, decreased physical functioning, increased risk of falls, and the need for institutional care. The FES measures confidence in performing activities of daily living without falling. This scale has an excellent performance in terms of reliability and is correlated with balance and gait measures. It is also known for its ability to predict future falls and decline in functional capacity. The FES-I is a scale used to assess fear of falling and was developed as an international version of the Falls Efficacy Scale. The FES-I is used to assess individuals' fear of falling and their confidence in performing daily activities. The FES-I is frequently used by health professionals to determine fear of falling and to assess the need for intervention.
Time frame: Baseline
Body image
It was evaluated with the Amputee Body Image Scale (ABIS). The scale is recognised as an important tool in the process of understanding and improving the body image of amputees. It was developed to assess the body experiences of amputees. The ABIS contains 20 items and measures the perceptions and feelings of the person about his/her body after amputation. During its development, important psychometric properties such as content validity, internal consistency and validity were found acceptable.
Time frame: Baseline
Satisfaction level
It was evaluated with the Prosthesis Satisfaction Questionnaire. This questionnaire assesses the satisfaction of amputees with their prostheses. The questionnaire consists of 15 questions, and for each question, the participants tick one of the following options: 3: completely agree, 2: strongly agree, 1: disagree, 0: strongly disagree and receive the appropriate score. The total score ranges from 0 to 45, with higher scores indicating higher levels of satisfaction.
Time frame: Baseline
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