title: Functional added value of microprocessor-controlled knee joints in daily life performance of Medicare Functional Classification Level-2 amputees.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the effects of using a microprocessor-controlled prosthetic knee joint on the functional performance of activities of daily living in persons with an above-knee leg amputation.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To assess the effects of using a microprocessor-controlled prosthetic knee joint on the functional performance of activities of daily living in persons with an above-knee leg amputation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Randomised cross-over trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty-one persons with unilateral above-knee or knee disarticulation limb loss, classified as Medicare Functional Classification Level-2 (MFCL-2).
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants were measured in 3 conditions, i.e. using a mechanically controlled knee joint and two types of microprocessor-controlled prosthetic knee joints. Functional performance level was assessed using a test in which participants performed 17 simulated activities of daily living (Assessment of Daily Activity Performance in Transfemoral amputees test). Performance time was measured and self-perceived level of difficulty was scored on a visual analogue scale for each activity.
  
  
  RESULTS
  High levels of within-group variability in functional performance obscured detection of any effects of using a microprocessor-controlled prosthetic knee joint. Data analysis after stratification of the participants into 3 subgroups, i.e. participants with a "low", "intermediate" and "high" functional mobility level, showed that the two higher functional subgroups performed significantly faster using microprocessor-controlled prosthetic knee joints.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  MFCL-2 amputees constitute a heterogeneous patient group with large variation in functional performance levels. A substantial part of this group seems to benefit from using a microprocessor-controlled prosthetic knee joint when performing activities of daily living.
authors.affiliation: Adelante, Centre of Expertise in Rehabilitation and Audiology, Zandbergsweg 111. P.theeven@adelante-zorggroep.nl
authors.forename: Patrick
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Theeven
authors.forename: Bea
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hemmen
authors.forename: Frans
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Rings
authors.forename: Guido
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Meys
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Brink
authors.forename: Rob
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Smeets
authors.forename: Henk
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Seelen
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000674:Amputees / Q000145:classification / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D001186:Artificial Limbs; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint; D007720:Knee Prosthesis; D008838:Microcomputers; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D057566:Self Report