Article

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate hip abductor strength-training for patients with
unilateral transfemoral amputation. DESIGN: Single-blind, cross-over (AB/BA)
trial with randomization.
SUBJECTS: Seventeen patients with transfemoral
amputation. METHODS: Subjects completed 8-week programs of twice weekly hip
abductor strength training or arm ergometry. Subjects were randomly assigned to
receive either the experimental or active control intervention first. A
physiotherapist blinded to group assignment conducted baseline and
post-intervention assessments.
The Timed Up & Go (TUG) test was selected as the
primary outcome measure; secondary measures included the 2 Minute Walk (2MW), hip
abductor strength, Activities Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC) and
prosthetic use. A two-way cross-over ANOVA was used for baseline and
post-intervention treatment comparisons. RESULTS: There were no baseline
differences between treatments for TUG, 2MW, ABC, Houghton scale, sitting or
side-lying abductor strength (p > 0.05 for all), though supine strength was
greater for the experimental treatment (p < 0.05). After 8-weeks of hip abductor
strength training, there were significant treatment effects for TUG, ABC (p <
0.01 for both), 2MW (p < 0.05), sitting and side-lying abductor strength (p =
0.05 for both), but not for supine strength, prosthetic use, nor thigh girth
measures (p > 0.05 for all). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that patients with
unilateral transfemoral amputation can improve functional performance and balance confidence following intense hip abductor strength training.

Langue : ANGLAIS