Publications by authors named "Derek J Lura"

Background: There are alternative transfemoral (TF) socket interface designs that have not been compared with the standard of care, ischial ramus containment (IRC). The interface directly affects performance.

Objectives: To compare 3 TF interface designs, IRC, dynamic socket (DS), and subischial (Sub-I), regarding gait, balance, mobility, and preference.

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Background: The most crucial aspect of a prosthesis is the socket, as it will directly determine gait stability and quality. The current standard of care ischial ramus containment socket is reported to increase coronal stability through gait; however, socket discomfort is the primary complaint among prosthetic users.

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to compare ischial ramus containment to alternatives in the transfemoral amputee population.

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The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of body weight supported treadmill training for acute post-stroke rehabilitation, relative to conventional therapy. Forty individuals were randomized to receive either body weight supported treadmill training or conventional therapy as part of standard care at an acute rehabilitation facility. As part of normal care patients were evaluated using the Functional Independence Measure; gait units and length of stay were also recorded.

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This study was a randomized crossover of stair ambulation of Transfemoral Amputees (TFAs) using the Genium and C-Leg prosthetic knees. TFAs typically have difficulty ascending and descending stairs, limiting community mobility. The objective of this study was to determine the relative efficacy of the Genium and C-Leg prostheses for stair ascent and descent, and their absolute efficacy relative to non-amputees.

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Cerebral Palsy (CP) is the leading cause of childhood motor disability, with a global incidence of 1.6 to 2.5/1,000 live births.

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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.

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Microprocessor prosthetic knees (MPKs) have advanced technologically, offering new features to decrease impairment and activity limitations for persons with transfemoral amputation (TFA). The Genium knee is functionally untested, and functional differences between it and intact knees are unknown. This study sought to determine whether Genium use improves functional performance compared with the C-Leg.

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Compared to non-microprocessor knees, the C-Leg microprocessor knee (MPK) is bioenergentically and economically more efficient and safer for transfemoral amputation (TFA) patients. The Genium MPK has demonstrated improvements in perceived function, knee kinematics, and physical functional performance compared to C-Leg. Clinical and health economic analyses have not been conducted with the Genium knee system.

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Background: Approximately 683 persons engaged in military service experienced transtibial amputation (TTA) related to recent war in Iraq and Afghanistan. Military TTAs function at a level beyond basic ambulation. No empirical data demonstrate which higher functioning prosthetic feet maximize injured service personnel's ability to continue performing at a level commensurate with return to duty.

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The choice of a myoelectric or body-powered upper-limb prosthesis can be determined using factors including control, function, feedback, cosmesis, and rejection. Although body-powered and myoelectric control strategies offer unique functions, many prosthesis users must choose one. A systematic review was conducted to determine differences between myoelectric and body-powered prostheses to inform evidence-based clinical practice regarding prescription of these devices and training of users.

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Background And Aim: Longer residual limb lengths provide an increased lever arm. Longer residual limbs may produce increased joint moments; the two may be correlated. These correlations have not been evaluated in transfemoral amputees during transitional movements.

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Background: Microprocessor knees have improved the gait and functional abilities of persons with transfemoral amputation. The Genium prosthetic knee offers an advanced sensor and control system designed to decrease impairment by: allowing greater stance phase flexion, easing transitions between gait phases, and compensating for changes in terrain. The aim of this study was to determine differences between the knee flexion angle of persons using the Genium knee, the C-Leg knee, and non-amputee controls; and to evaluate the impact the prostheses on gait and level of impairment of the user.

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Background: Typical upper limb prostheses may limit sports participation; therefore, specialized terminal devices are often needed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of transradial amputees to play golf using a specialized terminal device.

Case Description And Methods: Club head speed, X-factor, and elbow motion of two individuals with transradial amputations using an Eagle Golf terminal device were compared to a non-amputee during a golf swing.

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This paper reviews the variations in human upper body motion of subjects completing activities of daily living. This study was completed to serve as a reference to evaluate the quality of simulated of human motion. In this paper we define the variation in motion as the variation in subjects' parameters (link lengths), joint angles, and hand positions, for a given task.

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Transitional movements are a determinant of functional independence and have limited study in amputees. Microprocessor prosthetic knees' abilities to assist transfemoral amputees with sitting and standing have not been studied. Through cross-sectional study, 21 transfemoral amputees, divided into 3 groups of 7 by knee type (power knee, C-leg, Mauch SNS) and 7 non-amputee controls (n=28) performed sit to stand and stand to sit while kinematic and kinetic data were recorded.

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