Abstract
Introduction: Walking is challenging for individuals with a transfemoral amputation since they are unable to rely on sensing ground characteristics due to compromised sensory inputs from the missing limb. Therefore, a novel prosthetic device has been developed with the aim to decrease the attentional demand during walking.Objective: To analyse the biomechanical response to the CYBERLEGs plus plus (CLs++) Gamma prosthesis during dual task walking.
Methods: Five participants completed a familiarization trial, an experimental trial with their current prosthesis, three training sessions and an experimental trial with the novel prosthesis. The test consisted of a two-minute treadmill walk test while the psychomotor vigilance task was performed. Reaction time, spatiotemporal and kinetic parameters were gathered.
Results: Reaction time during the dual task walking test with the CLs++ prosthesis was significantly increased (+20.1%, p = 0.013, d = 1.19) compared to walking with their current prosthesis. Wearing the CLs++ prosthesis significantly increased stride length and time (+17.3%, p = 0.016, d = 1.79 and +15.8%, p = 0.010, d = 2.03, respectively) compared to their current prosthesis. The percentages of stance and swing phase did not differ (p = 0.923, d = 0.05 and p = 0.923, d = 0.05, respectively) between the current and CLs++ prosthesis.
Conclusion: Walking with the novel prosthesis improved stride length and time, however, worsened reaction time. Attentional demand is probably higher because of the novelty of the device and lack of adaptation to the novel device.
| Date of Award | 2019 |
|---|---|
| Original language | English |
| Supervisor | Romain Meeusen (Promotor), Kevin De Pauw (Co-promotor) & Jo Ghillebert (Advisor) |