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Obstacle course: users' maneuverability and movement efficiency when using Otto Bock C-Leg, Otto Bock 3R60, and
Margrit R Meier1, Andrew H Hansen, Steven A Gard
1Department of Occupational Therapy and Prosthetics and Orthotics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo and Akershus University College of Applied Sciences, Norway. Margrit-R.Meier@hioa.no
Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development
|July 10, 2012
Summary
The 3R60 prosthetic knee joint resulted in slower obstacle course navigation compared to the SNS and C-Leg. Mental loading tasks significantly decreased movement efficiency with the C-Leg prosthesis.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Prosthetics
- Human Movement Analysis
Background:
- Prosthetic knee joints significantly impact the mobility and efficiency of lower-limb amputees.
- Evaluating the real-world performance of different prosthetic knee technologies is crucial for user rehabilitation and technology development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the performance and movement efficiency of three prosthetic knee joints (SNS, C-Leg, 3R60) in individuals with lower-limb amputations.
- To assess the influence of a mental loading task (MLT) on performance and efficiency with different prosthetic knee joints.
Main Methods:
- A crossover design study involving twelve prosthesis users traversing a multisectional obstacle course (OC).
- Random allocation of three prosthetic knee joints: SNS, C-Leg, and 3R60, with a one-month familiarization period for each.
- Objective performance assessment via video-recorded time measurements and movement efficiency estimation using the Total Heart Beat Index, with and without an MLT.
Main Results:
- The 3R60 prosthetic knee joint led to significantly longer obstacle course completion times compared to the SNS and C-Leg.
- No significant time differences were observed between the C-Leg and SNS joints.
- A significant decrease in movement efficiency was noted with the C-Leg when performing a mental loading task, unlike the SNS and 3R60.
Conclusions:
- The SNS and C-Leg prosthetic knee joints offer comparable performance for obstacle course navigation.
- The 3R60 prosthetic knee joint may present challenges in terms of speed and efficiency, particularly in specific obstacle sections.
- Cognitive load, induced by mental loading tasks, can negatively impact the movement efficiency of certain prosthetic knee joints, specifically the C-Leg.
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