Transtibial amputee gait with the unity suspension system

Study Design: Experimental study. Objectives: Research is lacking on the Unity suspension system's effect on gait performance. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of the Unity elevated vacuum system on level walking performance while the vacuum was active (ON) and inactive (OF...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Disability and rehabilitation: Assistive technology 2020-04, Vol.15 (3), p.350-356
Main Authors: Gholizadeh, H., Lemaire, E.D., Sinitski, E.H., Nielen, D., Lebel, P.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Amputation
Amputees
elevated vacuum
Gait
Inactive
Kinematics
Limbs
motion analysis
Proprioception
Prostheses
prosthesis
prosthetic foot
prosthetic limb
prosthetic suspension system
Rehabilitation
Suspension
Symmetry
virtual reality
Walking
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Summary:Study Design: Experimental study. Objectives: Research is lacking on the Unity suspension system's effect on gait performance. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of the Unity elevated vacuum system on level walking performance while the vacuum was active (ON) and inactive (OFF). Methods: Twelve unilateral transtibial amputees were fit with the Ossur elevated vacuum suspension system (Unity) and Pro-flex XC foot. After one month accommodation period, 3D motion analysis was performed using the CAREN-Extended system. Temporal-spatial, kinematics, and kinetics were examined during level walking to understand the effect of the elevated vacuum, separate trials were completed with the vacuum active (ON) or inactive (OFF). Results: Significant differences were found between vacuum conditions (ON and OFF) for some temporal-spatial gait parameters, but differences were very small and may not be clinically significant. Differences between vacuum conditions on most kinetic and kinematic gait parameters were also low. However, step length symmetry between intact and prosthetic limbs improved with active elevated vacuum (ON). Conclusions: Elevated vacuum suspension's effect on level walking gait is small if a well-fitting liner-based socket is provided. Implications for rehabilitation Step length symmetry between intact and prosthetic limbs improved with an active vacuum system. Differences between vacuum conditions on most gait parameters were small during level walking. Subjective feedback showed improved proprioception and comfort with an active vacuum system.
ISSN:1748-3107
1748-3115
DOI:10.1080/17483107.2019.1579000