Article

There is a lack of data and consensus concerning the most appropriate
functional evaluation in clinical practice at the definitive prosthetic phase
after lower limb amputation. OBJECTIVES: To determine among several selected
functional tests the most pertinent to evaluate balance and prosthetic walking.
STUDY DESIGN: Validation of a diagnostic procedure.
METHODS: Sixty-four patients
were included. Outcome measures: Timed Up and Go test, Functional Reach test
(FRT), one-leg balance, tandem test, Modified Houghton Scale, Berg Balance Scale,
two-minute walk test (2MW test). Correlations were assessed with the Pearson
correlation coefficient and the Principal Component Analysis. Score distribution
was analyzed with the Shapiro-Wilk W normality test. Receiver operating
characteristic curves were drawn to identify the best predictor for the function.
RESULTS: The clinical tests correlated highly with each other. Only 2MW test and
FRT did not have either a floor/ceiling effect, or a bi-modal distribution. The
2MW test was the best predictor of prosthetic walking limitations (area under the
curve 0.93 (0.83-0.97), the best threshold was between 130 and 150 meters), and
FRT was best for balance. CONCLUSIONS: 2MW test can be proposed as the first-line
clinical test. The FRT can be indicated for the specific assessment of balance
disorders. Clinical relevance
This validation of a clinical evaluation of balance
and walking capacity after lower limb amputation may be useful in everyday
practice to ensure in a simple and standardized way the follow-up of patients and
adapt treatments--especially prosthetics--at the definitive prosthetic phase.

Langue : ANGLAIS