A comparative study of conventional and energy-storing prosthetic feet in high-functioning transfemoral amputees.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the results of gait analysis, timed walking tests, and socket comfort for transfemoral amputees wearing initially a Multiflex conventional prosthetic foot and then a Vari-Flex energy-storing prosthetic foot.


METHODS
Experimental crossover trial.


METHODS
A regional prosthetic and amputee rehabilitation tertiary referral center in a teaching hospital.


METHODS
Six established unilateral transfemoral prosthetic users.


METHODS
Not applicable.


METHODS
Gait analysis, a timed walking test, and a Prosthetic Socket Fit Comfort Score for each amputee wearing the Multiflex foot and then repeated wearing the Vari-Flex foot.


RESULTS
Wearing the Vari-Flex foot, our subjects walked faster in the gait lab (1.38 +/- 0.13 m/s, P < .001) and took more equal step lengths at fast speed (1.063 +/- 0.05, P < .05). They also had greater peak ankle dorsiflexion at push-off on the prosthetic side (18.3 degrees +/-4.73 degrees, P<.001) and 3 times as much power from the prosthetic ankle at push-off (1.13 +/- 0.22 W/kg, P < .001). There were no significant changes in temporal symmetry or loading of the prosthetic limb, in the timed walking test with each foot, or in the comfort score.


CONCLUSIONS
A transfemoral amputee who wears an energy-storing foot can have a more symmetric gait with regard to some measures of spatial symmetry, kinetics, and kinematics than one who wears a conventional foot. However, in this study important aspects such as more symmetric loading and comfort did not differ significantly between the 2 foot types.
Graham
Lorraine E
LE
Mobility and Specialised Rehabilitation Centre, Northern General Hospital, Sheffield, UK. lorradam@yahoo.com
Datta
Dipak
D
Heller
Ben
B
Howitt
John
J
Pros
Dip
D
D000328:Adult; D000674:Amputees / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D001186:Artificial Limbs; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D005528:Foot; D005684:Gait; D006801:Humans; D035002:Lower Extremity; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D016138:Walking