Affiliations: Korea Orthopedics and Rehabilitation Research Center, Incheon, Korea
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Chang-Yong Ko, Korea Orthopedics and Rehabilitation Research Center, 10, Gyeongin-ro, Bupyeong-gu, Incheon 403-120, Korea. Tel.: +82 32 509 5244; Fax: +82 32 512 9794; E-mail:monamicyko@gmail.com
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Management of a knee contracture is important for
regaining gait ability in transtibial amputees. However, there has been
little study of prosthesis training for enhancing mobility and improving
range of motion in cases of restricted knee extension. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of adaptive
training for an assist device (ATAD) for a transtibial amputee with a knee
flexion contracture (KFC). A male transtibial amputee with KFC performed 4
months of ATAD with a multidisciplinary team. During the ATAD, the passive
range of motion (PROM) in the knee, amputee mobility predictor (AMP)
assessment, center of pressure (COP) on a force plate-equipped treadmill,
gait features determined by three-dimensional motion analysis, and
Short-Form 36 Item Health Survey (SF-36) scores were evaluated. RESULTS: Following ATAD, PROM showed immediate improvement (135.6
± 2.4° at baseline, 142.5 ± 1.7° at Step 1,
152.1 ± 1.8° at Step 2, 165.8 ± 1.9° at Step 3, and
166.0 ± 1.4° at Step 4); this was followed by an enhanced COP.
Gradually, gait features also improved. Additionally, the AMP score (5 at
baseline to 29 at Step 4) and K-level (K0 at baseline to K3 at Step 4)
increased after ATAD. Along with these improvements, the SF-36 score also
improved. CONCLUSIONS: ATAD could be beneficial for transtibial amputees by
relieving knee contractures and improving gait.
Keywords: Adaptive training for assist device, transtibial amputee, knee flexion contracture, gait ability, quality of life
