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 (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 rehabilitationStep 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.
['Gholizadeh|H|H|0000-0001-5847-7985', 'Lemaire|E D|ED|0000-0003-4693-2623', 'Sinitski|E H|EH|', 'Nielen|D|D|', 'Lebel|P|P|']
D000328:Adult D000368:Aged D000674:Amputees D001186:Artificial Limbs D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena D005260:Female D005684:Gait D006801:Humans D007700:Kinetics D008297:Male D008875:Middle Aged D011474:Prosthesis Design D017755:Prosthesis Fitting D013977:Tibia D014618:Vacuum
elevated vacuum motion analysis prosthetic limb Amputation prosthesis prosthetic foot prosthetic suspension system rehabilitation virtual reality