title: EFFECTS OF THE GENIUM MICROPROCESSOR KNEE SYSTEM ON KNEE MOMENT SYMMETRY DURING HILL WALKING.
abstract: Use of the Genium microprocessor knee (MPK) system reportedly improves knee kinematics during walking and other functional tasks compared to other MPK systems. This improved kinematic pattern was observed when walking on different hill conditions and at different speeds. Given the improved kinematics associated with hill walking while using the Genium, a similar improvement in the symmetry of knee kinetics is also feasible. The purpose of this study was to determine if Genium MPK use would reduce the degree of asymmetry (DoA) of peak stance knee flexion moment compared to the C-Leg MPK in transfemoral amputation (TFA) patients. This study used a randomized experimental crossover of TFA patients using Genium and C-Leg MPKs (n= 20). Biomechanical gait analysis by 3D motion tracking with floor mounted force plates of TFA patients ambulating at different speeds on 5° ramps was completed. Knee moment DoA was significantly different between MPK conditions in the slow and fast uphill as well as the slow and self-selected downhill conditions. In a sample of high-functioning TFA patients, Genium knee system accommodation and use improved knee moment symmetry in slow speed walking up and down a five degree ramp compared with C-Leg. Additionally, the Genium improved knee moment symmetry when walking downhill at comfortable speed. These results likely have application in other patients who could benefit from more consistent knee function, such as older patients and others who have slower walking speeds.
authors.affiliation: School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA; Extremity Trauma & Amputation Center of Excellence (EACE), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Tampa, FL, USA; 319 Minimal Care Detachment, U.S. Army Reserves, Pinellas Park, FL, USA.
authors.forename: M Jason
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Highsmith
authors.affiliation: Prosthetics and Sensory Aids Service, James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Tampa, FL, USA.
authors.forename: Tyler D
authors.initials: TD
authors.lastname: Klenow
authors.affiliation: OP Solutions, Inc., Tampa, FL, USA; Prosthetic Design and Research, Tampa, FL, USA.
authors.forename: Jason T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Kahle
authors.affiliation: WillowWood, Mt. Sterling, OH, USA.
authors.forename: Matthew M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Wernke
authors.affiliation: Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.
authors.forename: Stephanie L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Carey
authors.affiliation: School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.
authors.forename: Rebecca M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Miro
authors.affiliation: Department of Bioengineering and Software Engineering, Florida Gulf Coast University, Ft. Myers, FL, USA.
authors.forename: Derek J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Lura
keywords: Amputee; Biomechanics; Gait; Knee kinetics; Physical therapy; Ramps; Rehabilitation; Slope; Transfemoral