Microprocessor Knees May Provide Benefit to Community Ambulators

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LEIPZIG — A rehabilitation specialist reported that transfemoral amputees seem to benefit from microprocessor-controlled knee joints while performing activities of daily living.

Patrick Theeven, MSc, of the Adelante Centre of Expertise in Rehabilitation, presented data on the microprocessor knee joint and community ambulators at the 13th ISPO World Congress, here.

	Patrick Theeven

“We believe, in the case of the microprocessor knee joint, that it is not only beneficial for the active wearers,” Theeven said. “If we can improve performance in a functional environment … then this would be an important gain.”

In cases of transfemoral amputation, the knee joint plays a pivotal role in functional level. Differing features from knee to knee affect individual performance. Theeven and colleagues set out to determine the possible advantages of microprocessor knees for community ambulators.

The study involved 30 participants, ranging in age from 18 to 75 years-old. Theeven used a double cross-over design method to study the participants with the selected mechanical prostheses: the C-leg (electronic swing and stance) and the C-leg Compact (electronic stance). Participants were acclimated to each of the devices in the lab and permitted to wear at home for 1 week.

Theeven employed a new assessment tool called the ADAPT (Assessment of Daily Activities Performance in Transfemoral amputees) test which uses 17 common daily activities like navigating around toys on carpeting and getting in and out of a car. He recorded performance times with the participants wearing each of the prostheses.

Through clinical observation, Theeven and his team concluded that microprocessor-controlled knees can enhance performance for the majority of limited community ambulators.

“This is a very heterogeneous group that can be divided into at least three subclasses,” Theeven said.

Additionally, researchers found variations within this amputee classification and suggest further research to assess the true difference in functional performance levels.