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Transtibial amputee gait with the unity suspension system
H Gholizadeh1,2, E D Lemaire1,3, E H Sinitski1,4
1Centre for Rehabilitation Research and Development, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada.
Disability and Rehabilitation. Assistive Technology
|February 28, 2019
Summary
The Unity elevated vacuum system showed minimal impact on most gait parameters for transtibial amputees. However, it did improve step length symmetry between limbs when the vacuum was active.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Prosthetics and Orthotics
- Rehabilitation Engineering
Background:
- Limited research exists on the impact of elevated vacuum suspension systems on gait performance.
- The Unity suspension system is designed to enhance prosthetic limb function through elevated vacuum technology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of the Unity elevated vacuum system on the level walking performance of unilateral transtibial amputees.
- To compare gait parameters with the vacuum system active (ON) versus inactive (OFF).
Main Methods:
- An experimental study involving twelve unilateral transtibial amputees.
- Utilized the Ossur elevated vacuum suspension system (Unity) with a Pro-flex XC foot.
- Employed 3D motion analysis (CAREN-Extended system) to assess temporal-spatial, kinematic, and kinetic gait parameters during level walking.
Main Results:
- Minor, potentially not clinically significant, differences in some temporal-spatial gait parameters were observed between vacuum ON and OFF conditions.
- Most kinetic and kinematic gait parameters showed minimal differences between the two vacuum conditions.
- A notable improvement in step length symmetry between the intact and prosthetic limbs was observed with the active elevated vacuum (ON).
Conclusions:
- The effect of elevated vacuum suspension on level walking gait is minimal when a well-fitting liner-based socket is used.
- Active vacuum suspension can improve step length symmetry in transtibial amputees.
- Subjective feedback indicated enhanced proprioception and comfort with the active vacuum system.
Keywords:
Amputationelevated vacuummotion analysisprosthesisprosthetic footprosthetic limbprosthetic suspension systemrehabilitationvirtual realityMore Related Videos
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