Metabolic Cost of Walking With Passive vs. Powered Prosthetic Knees Among Persons With Limb Loss

The Procedures include:

Initial Visit:

• Informed consent
• HIPAA authorization
• Determine/verify ambulation potential
• Take and record body measurements (height, weight, circumferences)
• Activities-Specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale
• L.A.S.A.R. Posture alignment assessment with RxPx

Second Visit

• Fit with heartrate monitor and metabolic analyzer mask
• Treadmill Test (level-ground) with RxPx
• Rest
• Treadmill Test (incline) with RxPx
• Fit subject with PMPK
• L.A.S.A.R. Posture alignment assessment with PMPK
• Subject uses PMPK for one week as their primary prosthesis

Third Visit (1 week later)

• Fit with heartrate monitor and metabolic analyzer mask
• Treadmill Test (level-ground) with PMPK
• Rest
• Treadmill Test (incline) with PMPK
• Activities-Specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale
• Return PMPK and refit of RxPx
• Verify alignment with L.A.S.A.R. Posture alignment
• Check that all fasteners are secure

Inclusion criteria

• Males and Females with unilateral knee disarticulation or transfemoral (KD/TF) amputation.
• a body mass greater than 49Kg and less than 117Kg
• 18-75 years of age
• Have an ambulation potential of K3 or K4
• Use a prosthesis daily for walking or sports activities
• No less than six months of experience with a prosthesis
• No socket issues or changes in the last six weeks
• No residual limb pain affecting functional ability.

Exclusion criteria

• Cannot walk at different speeds (MCFL K0-K2)
• Limb-loss below the knee or through the hip
• More than one amputation.
• Uses an assistive device for walking
• Uncontrolled edema in leg compartments
• Compromised skin of the residual limb or contralateral foot
• Are 180 days or less post-amputation
• Pregnant (self-reported)