In a study published online before print October 6 in the journal Clinical Rehabilitation, researchers examined differences in outcome measures when individuals with lower-limb amputations transitioned from a non-microprocessor-controlled knee (MPK) to an MPK. The studied outcome measures examined included quality of life, balance confidence, and measures of mobility; the researchers found that transitioning to an MPK from a non-MPK had little effect on these outcome measures.
Ten people with a transfemoral amputation or knee disarticulation were assessed with their own non-MPK and with the Össur RHEO KNEE® 2. Össur’s Vari-Flex EVO foot was installed in both knee conditions, and the cohort was given eight weeks to adapt to the prosthetic configuration before being assessed. The knees were tested in a randomized order. The following assessments were used to quantify the effects: Prosthesis Evaluation Questionnaire (PEQ) with addendum; Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale; Timed Up and Go (TUG) test; Timed Up and Down Stairs (TUDS) test; Hill Assessment Index (HAI); Stair Assessment Index (SAI); Standardized Walking Obstacle Course (SWOC); and the One-Leg Balance test.
When participants used the MPK, the researchers recorded significantly higher scores on the residual limb health subscale of the PEQ when compared to the non-MPK. In addition, participants needed significantly more steps to complete an obstacle course when walking with the MPK compared to the non-MPK. On other outcome measures, no significant differences were found.
