Nicholas Kenney, a seventh grade middle-school student at Lexington Christian Academy, Kentucky, recently took first place in a science project competition, in which he tested the efficacy of a microprocessor prosthetic knee (MPK) (the Ottobock C-Leg, computerized) versus a non-MPK (non-computerized, mechanical) using a prosthetic simulator.
Kenney displays his prize-winning poster presentation on the efficacy of MPKs versus non-MPKs. Photograph courtesy of John “Mo” and Jana Kenney.
For his project, Kenney hypothesized that the computerized leg would be faster and safer to walk on when compared to the non-computerized mechanical knee. To test this hypothesis, he consulted with researcher Jason Kahle, CPO, FAAOP, Prosthetic Research & Design, Tampa, Florida. He had the prosthetic simulator made by John Reynolds, CPO, Reynolds Prosthetics & Orthotics, Maryville, Tennessee, and conducted testing at Kenney Orthopedics, Lexington.
The study results indicated that Kenney’s hypothesis was correct: a microprocessor knee is safer and faster for ambulation. He also states that more subjects would need to be tested to have conclusive evidence that the C-Leg is more effective in walking faster.
Kenney’s father is John “Mo” Kenney, CPO, FAAOP, owner of Kenney Orthopedics and the current immediate past president of the American Board of Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics.
