Effect of physical fitness on prosthetic ambulation in elderly amputees.

Objective: To evaluate the physical fitness and prosthetic ambulation ability of high-level (hip disarticulation, transfemoral) lower-limb amputees aged 60 and above, and to investigate the level of fitness required for successful prosthetic ambulation.

Design: The test subjects were 49 amputees aged 60 and above. Subjects were permitted to use any necessary ambulatory aids and were asked to walk at their most comfortable walking speed for evaluation of prosthetic ambulation ability.

Comparison of different microprocessor controlled knee joints on the energy consumption during walking in trans-femoral amputees: intelligent knee prosthesis (IP) versus C-leg.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristic differences between the IP and C-Leg by making a comparative study of energy consumption and walking speeds in trans-femoral amputees. The subjects consisted of four persons with traumatic trans-femoral amputations aged 17 - 33 years who had been using the IP and were active in society. Fourteen able-bodied persons served as controls.

Effect of an Intelligent Prosthesis (IP) on the walking ability of young transfemoral amputees: comparison of IP users with able-bodied people.

Objective: To make a comparative study of energy expenditure and walking speeds between able-bodied people and young Intelligent Prosthesis (IP) users and to demonstrate the effect of IP on the walking ability of young amputees.

Design: The test subjects were eight young traumatic transfemoral amputees. Fourteen able-bodied persons served as controls.