Article

OBJECTIVE: To study the influence of a transition from a non-microprocessor
controlled to the Rheo Knee((R)) II on quality of life, balance confidence and
measures of mobility. DESIGN: Randomised crossover trial. SETTING: Research
department of a rehabilitation centre. SUBJECTS: Persons with a transfemoral
amputation or knee disarticulation (n=10). INTERVENTIONS:
Participants were
assessed with their own non-microprocessor controlled knee and with the Rheo
Knee((R)) II. The low-profile Vari-Flex with EVO foot was installed in both knee
conditions, followed by eight weeks of acclimatisation. The order in which knees
were tested was randomised. MAIN MEASURES: Prosthesis Evaluation Questionnaire
with addendum, Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale, Timed "up & go"
test, Timed up and down stairs test, Hill Assessment Index, Stairs Assessment
Index, Standardized Walking Obstacle Course and One Leg Balance test. RESULTS:
Significant higher scores were found for the Rheo Knee((R)) II on the Residual
Limb Health subscale of the Prosthesis Evaluation Questionnaire when compared to
the non-microprocessor controlled prosthetic knee (median [interquartile range]
resp. 86.67 [62.21-93.08] and 68.71 [46.15-94.83]; P=0.047) In addition,
participants needed significantly more steps to complete an obstacle course when
walking with the Rheo Knee((R)) II compared to the non-microprocessor controlled
prosthetic knee (median [interquartile range] resp. 23.50 [19.92-26.25] and 22.17
[19.50-25.75]; P=0.041). On other outcome measures, no significant differences
were found. CONCLUSIONS: Transition towards the Rheo Knee((R)) II had little
effect on the studied outcome measures.
CI - (c) The Author(s) 2014.

Langue : ANGLAIS