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Kent JA, Carnahan KJ, Major MJ. Socket-residuum coupling integrity affects perception of external stimuli: Effects of altering the transtibial interface using vacuum-assisted suspension. Prosthet Orthot Int 2024; 48:184-189. [PMID: 37498767 DOI: 10.1097/pxr.0000000000000257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Relative movement between the socket and residual limb can impair function in prosthesis users. It is plausible that, in addition to its mechanical effect, the integrity of the socket-residuum interface influences the ability of an individual to sense tactile cues through the prosthesis. Vacuum-assisted suspension (VAS) has been shown to reduce relative movement at this interface, providing a means to test this premise. The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the effects of altering socket-residuum interface integrity through the VAS pressure level on the thresholds of perception of an externally applied vibration stimulus. METHODS Seven unilateral transtibial prosthesis users participated. Socket-residual limb integrity was altered using the VAS subatmospheric (vacuum) pressure level. Vibration perception tests were conducted at low, mid, and high vacuum levels, targeting 0, 8, and 19 in Hg respectively, and performed in partially loaded and fully loaded conditions. Vibration intensity was increased using a dial until participants delivered a verbal signal indicating it was perceptible, and the nominal intensity was recorded. RESULTS Intensity thresholds decreased (ie, sensitivity increased) from low to high vacuum settings when fully loaded ( P = 0.008). Differences when partially loaded were nonsignificant and variable across participants. CONCLUSION This study provides preliminary evidence that altering the integrity between the socket and residual limb by modifying the vacuum level affects sensation related to the external environment experienced through the prosthesis, although translation of these findings to real-world stimuli remains to be tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny A Kent
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Kristin J Carnahan
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Matthew J Major
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL
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2
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Lee SP, Farrokhi S, Kent JA, Ciccotelli J, Chien LC, Smith JA. Comparison of clinical and biomechanical characteristics between individuals with lower limb amputation with and without lower back pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon) 2023; 101:105860. [PMID: 36549051 PMCID: PMC9892268 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2022.105860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lower back pain is a debilitating condition common to individuals with lower limb amputation. It is unclear what risk factors contribute to the development of back pain. This study systematically reviewed and analyzed the available evidence regarding the clinical and biomechanical differences between individuals with amputation, with and without lower back pain. METHODS A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and CINAHL databases in November 2020 and repeated in June 2021 and June 2022. Studies were included if they reported comparisons of demographic, anthropometric, biomechanical, and other clinical variables between participants with and without LBP. Study quality and potential for reporting bias were assessed. Meta-analyses were conducted to compare the two groups. FINDINGS Thirteen studies were included, with aggregated data from 436 participants (239 with LBP; 197 pain free). The median reporting quality score was 37.5%. The included studies enrolled participants who were predominantly male (mean = 91.4%, range = 77.8-100%) and with trauma-related amputation. Meta-analyses showed that individuals with LBP exhibited moderate (3.4 out of 10) but significantly greater pain than those without LBP. We found no between-group differences in age, height, weight, BMI, and time since amputation (p = 0.121-0.682). No significant differences in trunk/pelvic kinematics during gait were detected (p = 0.07-0.446) between the groups. INTERPRETATION Demographic, anthropometric, biomechanical, and simple clinical outcome variables may be insufficient for differentiating the risk of developing back pain after amputation. Investigators should be aware of the existing gender bias in sampling and methodological limitations, as well as to consider incorporating psychosocial measures when studying LBP in this clinical population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szu-Ping Lee
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, USA.
| | - Shawn Farrokhi
- Research and Surveillance Division, DoD-VA Extremity Trauma and Amputation Center of Excellence (EACE), San Antonio, TX, USA; Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Chiropractic Services and Sports Medicine, Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Jenny A Kent
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Jason Ciccotelli
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Lung-Chang Chien
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Jo Armour Smith
- Department of Physical Therapy, Chapman University, Irvine, CA, USA
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3
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Finco MG, Moudy SC, Patterson RM. Normalized kinematic walking symmetry data for individuals who use lower-limb prostheses: considerations for clinical practice and future research. JOURNAL OF PROSTHETICS AND ORTHOTICS : JPO 2023; 35:e1-e17. [PMID: 37008386 PMCID: PMC10062529 DOI: 10.1097/jpo.0000000000000435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Introduction
Individuals who use unilateral transtibial or transfemoral prostheses have negative secondary health effects associated with decreased kinematic (e.g., spatiotemporal and joint angle) walking symmetry between prosthetic and intact limbs. Research studies have quantified kinematic walking symmetry, but studies can be difficult to compare owing to the inclusion of small sample sizes and differences in participant demographics, biomechanical parameters, and mathematical analysis of symmetry. This review aims to normalize kinematic walking symmetry research data across studies by level of limb loss and prosthetic factors to inform considerations in clinical practice and future research.
Methods
A search was performed on March 18, 2020, in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar to encompass kinematic walking symmetry literature from the year 2000. First, the most common participant demographics, kinematic parameters, and mathematical analysis of symmetry were identified across studies. Then, the most common mathematical analysis of symmetry was used to recalculate symmetry data across studies for the five most common kinematic parameters.
Results
Forty-four studies were included in this review. The most common participant demographics were younger adults with traumatic etiology who used componentry intended for higher activity levels. The most common kinematic parameters were step length, stance time, and sagittal plane ankle, knee, and hip range of motion. The most common mathematical analysis was a particular symmetry index equation.
Conclusions
Normalization of data showed that symmetry tended to decrease as level of limb loss became more proximal and to increase with prosthetic componentry intended for higher activity levels. However, most studies included 10 or fewer individuals who were active younger adults with traumatic etiologies.
Clinical Relevance
Data summarized in this review could be used as reference values for rehabilitation and payer justification. Specifically, these data can help guide expectations for magnitudes of walking symmetry throughout rehabilitation or to justify advanced prosthetic componentry for active younger adults under 65 years of age with traumatic etiologies to payers.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G Finco
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Sarah C Moudy
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Rita M Patterson
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
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4
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Yang X, Zhao R, Solav D, Yang X, Lee DR, Sparrman B, Fan Y, Herr H. Material, design, and fabrication of custom prosthetic liners for lower-extremity amputees: A review. MEDICINE IN NOVEL TECHNOLOGY AND DEVICES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medntd.2022.100197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
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5
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Gholizadeh H, Lemaire E, Nantel J. Effects of Unity Prosthetic Elevated Vacuum Suspension System on Minimum Swing Toe Clearance. CANADIAN PROSTHETICS & ORTHOTICS JOURNAL 2021; 5:36847. [PMID: 37614477 PMCID: PMC10443518 DOI: 10.33137/cpoj.v5i1.36847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The risk of tripping in people with amputation is greater than that of able-bodied individuals due to reduced toe clearance during the swing phase. Appropriate prosthetic suspension may increase toe clearance by providing more secured attachment between the residual limb and prosthetic socket. Research is lacking on the Unity suspension system's effect on swing toe clearance. METHODS Twelve people with transtibial amputation were fitted with the Unity suspension system. After one month accommodation period, the person walked with active (ON) or inactive vacuum (OFF) in a CAREN-Extended virtual reality system, across multiple simulated real-world scenarios. Prosthetics minimum swing toe clearance, and kinematic data, while the vacuum was ON or OFF, were compared with the intact side and a group of 12 able-bodied individuals. RESULTS Minimum swing toe clearance (MSTC) and knee flexion angle were larger on the prosthetic side (active and inactive vacuum) compared to both the intact side and the control group. However, hip flexion angle on the prosthetic side was approximately 17% smaller than the control group. Unlike the control group, MSTC with active and inactive vacuum suspension was not significantly different between level walking and other walking conditions. Finally, among all walking conditions, the lowest swing toe clearance for both control and the amputee groups was recorded when the limb was at the top of a side-slope. CONCLUSION An effective suspension system could improve toe clearance; however, significant differences were not found between active and inactive vacuum conditions. The likelihood of inappropriate foot contact on side-slope ground might be greater than other walking conditions for both able-bodied and amputee groups, possibly leading to stumbling or falling.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Gholizadeh
- Centre for Rehabilitation Research and Development, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | - E.D. Lemaire
- Centre for Rehabilitation Research and Development, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - J Nantel
- School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
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6
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Safari R. Lower limb prosthetic interfaces: Clinical and technological advancement and potential future direction. Prosthet Orthot Int 2020; 44:384-401. [PMID: 33164655 DOI: 10.1177/0309364620969226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The human-prosthesis interface is one of the most complicated challenges facing the field of prosthetics, despite substantive investments in research and development by researchers and clinicians around the world. The journal of the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics, Prosthetics and Orthotics International, has contributed substantively to the growing body of knowledge on this topic. In celebrating the 50th anniversary of the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics, this narrative review aims to explore how human-prosthesis interfaces have changed over the last five decades; how research has contributed to an understanding of interface mechanics; how clinical practice has been informed as a result; and what might be potential future directions. Studies reporting on comparison, design, manufacturing and evaluation of lower limb prosthetic sockets, and osseointegration were considered. This review demonstrates that, over the last 50 years, clinical research has improved our understanding of socket designs and their effects; however, high-quality research is still needed. In particular, there have been advances in the development of volume and thermal control mechanisms with a few designs having the potential for clinical application. Similarly, advances in sensing technology, soft tissue quantification techniques, computing technology, and additive manufacturing are moving towards enabling automated, data-driven manufacturing of sockets. In people who are unable to use a prosthetic socket, osseointegration provides a functional solution not available 50 years ago. Furthermore, osseointegration has the potential to facilitate neuromuscular integration. Despite these advances, further improvement in mechanical features of implants, and infection control and prevention are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Safari
- Health and Social Care Research Centre, University of Derby, Derby, UK
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7
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Youngblood RT, Hafner BJ, Czerniecki JM, Brzostowski JT, Allyn KJ, Sanders JE. Modeling the mechanics of elevated vacuum systems in prosthetic sockets. Med Eng Phys 2020; 84:75-83. [PMID: 32977925 DOI: 10.1016/j.medengphy.2020.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Elevated vacuum (EV) is suggested to improve suspension and limb volume management for lower limb prosthesis users. However, few guidelines have been established to facilitate configuration of EV sockets to ensure their safe and proper function. A benchtop model of an EV socket was created to study how prosthetic liner tensile elasticity, socket fit, and socket vacuum pressure affect liner displacement and subsequent pressure on the residual limb. A domed carbon fiber layup was used to represent an EV socket. Inserts were used to simulate various air gaps between the socket and liner. Various prosthetic liner samples were placed under the carbon fiber layup. Liner displacement and the corresponding pressure change underneath the liner were measured as vacuum was applied between the liner sample and socket wall. Tissue vacuum pressure increased linearly with socket vacuum pressure until the liner contacted the socket wall. Predicted tissue vacuum pressure matched well with experimental results. Findings suggest that the effect of vacuum pressure on the residual limb is primarily determined by air gap distance. The developed model may be used to assess effects of EV on residual limb tissues based on an individual's socket fit, liner characteristics, and applied vacuum. Understanding the physiological effects of EV on the residual limb could help practitioners avoid blister formation and improve EV implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brian J Hafner
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Joseph M Czerniecki
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; VA Center for Limb Loss and Mobility, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Katheryn J Allyn
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle WA, USA
| | - Joan E Sanders
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle WA, USA
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8
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Keklicek H, Kirdi E, Yalcin A, Topuz S, Ulger O, Erbahceci F, Sener G. Comparison of gait variability and symmetry in trained individuals with transtibial and transfemoral limb loss. J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong) 2020; 27:2309499019832665. [PMID: 30827168 DOI: 10.1177/2309499019832665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Gait variability is a determinant of qualified locomotion and is useful for monitoring the effects of therapeutic interventions. The aim of this study was to compare gait variability and symmetry in trained individuals with transtibial (TT) amputation and transfemoral (TF) amputation. METHODS The design of this study was planned as observational. Eleven individuals with TF amputation, 14 individuals with TT amputation, and 14 healthy individuals (HI) were evaluated with a motorized treadmill. The mean step length, the step length variability, an ambulation index, and the time on each foot (stance phase symmetry) of participants were recorded. RESULTS There were differences between the three groups in the residual/non-preferred limb (RNp) step length ( p = 0.031), the intact/preferred (IP) limb step length variability ( p = 0.001), the RNp step length variability ( p < 0.001), the time on each foot ( p < 0.001), and the ambulation index score ( p < 0.001). There was a similarity between the groups (TF, TT, HI) in IP limb step lengths ( p = 0.127) and duration of prosthesis usage since amputation in individuals with lower limb loss ( p = 0.224). CONCLUSIONS This study provided basic data about gait variability and symmetry in individuals with traumatic lower limb loss. The results of the study showed that the variability of gait increased with the level of loss, and individuals with TT amputation showed partially equivalent performance with the healthy group. Similarities in gait characteristics may have resulted from effective prosthetic usage or effective gait rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilal Keklicek
- 1 Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey
| | - Elif Kirdi
- 2 Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ali Yalcin
- 2 Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Semra Topuz
- 2 Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ozlem Ulger
- 2 Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Fatih Erbahceci
- 2 Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Gul Sener
- 2 Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
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9
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Gholizadeh H, Lemaire E, Sinitski E, Nielen D, Lebel P. Transtibial amputee gait with the unity suspension system. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2019; 15:350-356. [DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2019.1579000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- H. Gholizadeh
- Centre for Rehabilitation Research and Development, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
- Department of Prosthetics & Orthotics, Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre, Ottawa, Canada
| | - E.D. Lemaire
- Centre for Rehabilitation Research and Development, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - E.H. Sinitski
- Centre for Rehabilitation Research and Development, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
- Canadian Forces Health Services, Ottawa, Canada
| | - D. Nielen
- Department of Prosthetics & Orthotics, Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre, Ottawa, Canada
| | - P. Lebel
- Department of Prosthetics & Orthotics, Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre, Ottawa, Canada
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10
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Schoepp KR, Schofield JS, Home D, Dawson MR, Lou E, Keri M, Marasco PD, Hebert JS. Real time monitoring of transtibial elevated vacuum prostheses: A case series on socket air pressure. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0202716. [PMID: 30346953 PMCID: PMC6197629 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0202716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Prosthetic elevated vacuum is a suspension method used to reduce daily volume changes of the residual limb. Evaluation of the effectiveness of these systems is limited due to a lack of correlation to actual socket air pressure, particularly during unconstrained movements. This may explain some of the variability in functional outcomes reported in the literature. Our objective was to develop a light-weight portable socket measurement system to quantify internal socket air pressure, temperature, and acceleration; and to present preliminary results from implementation with three transtibial prosthesis users with mechanical elevated vacuum pumps. Participants completed five functional tasks with and without the vacuum pumps actively connected, including the 2-Minute Walk test, 5-Times Sit-to-Stand test, 4-Square Step test, L-Test, and Figure-8 test. Results demonstrated different gait profiles and pressure ranges for each user. Two of the participants demonstrated substantially lower air pressure (higher vacuum) over time while the pump was active compared to inactive. The minimum air pressure measured for all participants was -34.6 ± 7.7 kPa. One participant did not show substantial changes in pressure over time for either pump condition. Functional task performance was not significantly different between pump conditions. Correlation with accelerometer readings indicated peak positive pressures occurred just following initial contact of the foot in early stance, and the most negative pressures (highest vacuum) were observed throughout swing. This study has demonstrated the use of a portable data logging tool that may serve the clinical and research communities to quantify the operation of elevated vacuum systems, and better understand the variability of mechanical pump operation and overall system performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine R. Schoepp
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jonathon S. Schofield
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - David Home
- Prosthetics and Orthotics Department, Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Michael R. Dawson
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Edmond Lou
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - McNiel Keri
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Paul D. Marasco
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
- Advanced Platform Technology Center of Excellence, Louis Stokes Cleveland Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Jacqueline S. Hebert
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- * E-mail:
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11
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Gholizadeh H, Lemaire ED, Sinitski EH. Transtibial amputee gait during slope walking with the unity suspension system. Gait Posture 2018; 65:205-212. [PMID: 30558933 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2018.07.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Revised: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with lower limb amputation may experience walking limitations on slopes because of missing 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).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Gholizadeh
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Centre for Rehabilitation Research and Development, Ottawa, Canada; Prosthetics & Orthotics, Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre, Ottawa, Canada.
| | - Edward D Lemaire
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Centre for Rehabilitation Research and Development, Ottawa, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Canada.
| | - Emily H Sinitski
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Centre for Rehabilitation Research and Development, Ottawa, Canada; Canadian Forces Health Services, Ottawa, Canada.
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12
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Thibault G, Gholizadeh H, Sinitski E, Baddour N, Lemaire ED. Effects of the unity vacuum suspension system on transtibial gait for simulated non-level surfaces. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0199181. [PMID: 29902256 PMCID: PMC6002056 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0199181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Walking on various surfaces encountered in everyday life requires lower limb prosthesis users to continually adapt their movement patterns. Elevated vacuum suspension systems could improve transtibial amputee gait on non-level surfaces; however, research is lacking to guide clinical practice. Twelve transtibial amputees were fitted with the Össur sleeveless vacuum suspension system (Unity). After a one month accommodation period, the CAREN-Extended system was used to evaluate gait on a self-paced treadmill when walking with continuous perturbations (medial-lateral translations, rolling hills, simulated uneven ground) with an active or inactive vacuum suspension system. Significant differences between active and inactive vacuum conditions (p<0.05) were found for some temporal-spatial and kinematic gait parameters, but the differences were small and not considered clinically significant. Our findings suggest that potential vacuum pump failures would not immediately affect gait performance in a moderately high functioning amputee population. However, residual limb volume changes over time due to the removal of elevated vacuum may adversely affect socket fit, leading to greater gait differences and reduced quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Thibault
- The Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre, Centre for Rehabilitation Research and Development, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Hossein Gholizadeh
- The Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre, Centre for Rehabilitation Research and Development, Ottawa, Canada
- * E-mail: ,
| | - Emily Sinitski
- The Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre, Centre for Rehabilitation Research and Development, Ottawa, Canada
- Canadian Forces Health Services, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Natalie Baddour
- Faculty of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Edward D. Lemaire
- The Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre, Centre for Rehabilitation Research and Development, Ottawa, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
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