A team of researchers undertook a study to compare the SACH foot and the Ottobock 1M10 Adjust during walking. The team conducted functional assessments of people who have unilateral transtibial amputations and low mobility when using each foot. After assessing physiological responses, the energy cost of walking (ECW), the relative perceived effort, and Satisfaction with Prosthesis (SAT-PRO) questionnaire, the researchers found improved measures suggesting that the 1M10 Adjust foot could be a good choice for this population.
The study was conducted in the outpatient rehabilitation unit of a rehabilitation center. The cohort included 17 men and three women. Nineteen participants were classified with a K2 activity level, and one with a K1. Each participant performed two overground walking tests. They performed the first walking test wearing their habitual SACH foot; the second walking test with the 1M10 Adjust was conducted after 30 days of its use. During walking tests, participants walked back and forth for six minutes at their self-selected walking speed (SSWS) and physiological data were collected. At the end of each walking test, the relative perceived effort was assessed by the Borg Scale. Finally, the SAT-PRO questionnaire was administered.
Physiological responses using SACH or 1M10 Adjust foot did not show statistical differences, according the study’s authors, however, ECW, SSWS, and relative perceived effort significantly improved using the 1M10Adust, and satisfaction with the 1M10 Adjust was significantly greater than with SACH.
The study,
published March 18 in the European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, was partially funded by grants from Ottobock, Duderstadt, Germany.