Assessment of transfemoral amputees using C-Leg and Power Knee for ascending and descending inclines and steps.

摘要: INTRODUCTION Over 840 U.S. military servicemembers have sustained a major lower-limb amputation as result of the current conflicts, Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom (OIF/OEF) [1]. These are almost always extremely motivated to reach their highest level function. Whether remaining on Active Duty or eventually separating civilian life, each individual will continue many physical obstacles negotiate, including stairs and slopes. The loss limb, respective anatomical joints, has been shown cause deviation from "normalized" mobility can in asymmetries during gait [2-8]. reported contribute secondary injuries such osteoarthritis, joint degeneration, low-back pain [7,9-15]. Servicemembers with trauma, amputation, one both lower limbs may be at greater risk for because additional compensations ambulation. Ascending descending slopes present biomechanical challenge than overground walking. difficulties associated translate into degeneration joints caused by increased forces moments compared Research that young nondisabled individuals, knees hips stair ascent descent This implies demand those [1617]. Minimal research conducted ambulation limb ramp descent. One study examined persons transfemoral (TFA) transtibial only [18]. They concluded descent, people TFA respond more similarly controls amputation. occurs who use microprocessor knee better able control hydraulics mechanical knees. Better allow person using During ascent, functional made primarily contralateral resulting even involved side. For TFA, climbing is challenging task. reports 7.2 percent ascend without handrail assistance 3 descend step-over-step [19]. differs previously mentioned [18], which predominantly step-over-step. differing results occurred prosthetic technologies used studies cited when (1984 vs 2007). data highlight difficulty this task importance identifying solutions ease burden ambulation, particularly TFA. Compared was easier these individuals 99 required no ramps while 1 needed does not imply sloped difficult shows kinematic adjustment strategies employed negotiating [20]. Efforts replace function devices met varying degrees success. literature contains an ample number that, through years, correlate improved dynamics technological advances design [21-23]. Decreased frequency falls stumbles user satisfaction also demonstrated microprocessor-controlled units [24-25]. …