Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 15, 2025
11:16
Engineering Platform and Experimental Protocol for Design and Evaluation of a Neurally-controlled Powered Transfemoral Prosthesis
Published on: July 22, 2014
16.2K
User accommodation to an active microprocessor-controlled knee in individuals with unilateral transfemoral
Elke Lathouwers1,2, Alexandre Maricot1, Bruno Tassignon1,3
1Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050, Brussels, Belgium.
Journal of Neuroengineering and Rehabilitation
|May 6, 2025
Summary
Active microprocessor-controlled knees (AMPK) showed initial challenges in transfemoral amputation users, with longer task times and reduced comfort. Five weeks of use were insufficient for accommodation, suggesting longer trials are needed.
Area of Science:
- Prosthetics and Biomechanics
- Rehabilitation Engineering
- Amputee Mobility
Background:
- Limited evaluation studies exist for active microprocessor-controlled knees (AMPK) in individuals with unilateral transfemoral amputation (TFA).
- Research on user accommodation and adaptation to AMPK technology requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the functional performance of an AMPK against a user's current prosthesis in individuals with TFA.
- To assess user accommodation to AMPK during daily activities over a 5-week period using functional performance tests.
Main Methods:
- Seven participants with TFA underwent weekly functional tests (L-test, slope walking, 2MWT, dual-2MWT) using their current prosthesis and an AMPK.
- Outcomes included walking distance, test completion time, cognitive task accuracy, heart rate, perceived exertion, fatigue, comfort, and workload.
- Statistical analysis involved generalized least-squared models and Pearson correlations.
Main Results:
- AMPK use resulted in longer L-test completion times and increased fatigue, lower comfort, and higher perceived exertion compared to the current prosthesis.
- Dual-task walking showed reduced speed with AMPK, and slope walking indicated higher heart rate in one session.
- No other significant differences were found in functional tests; weak associations were observed between performance and subjective measures.
Conclusions:
- Initial use of AMPK presents challenges in task completion and subjective user experience, including comfort and fatigue.
- A 5-week trial period appears insufficient for users to fully accommodate to AMPK technology.
- Further research with larger samples and extended use is recommended to enhance prosthetic function and user adaptation.
