Validation of Proprietary and Novel Step-counting Algorithms for Individuals Ambulating With a Lower Limb Prosthesis.

Objective: To compare the accuracy and reliability of 10 different accelerometer-based step-counting algorithms for individuals with lower limb loss, accounting for different clinical characteristics and real-world activities.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: General community setting (ie, institutional research laboratory and community free-living).

The impact of added mass placement on metabolic and temporal-spatial characteristics of transfemoral prosthetic gait.

Background: Despite prosthetic technology advancements, individuals with transfemoral amputation have compromised temporal-spatial gait parameters and high metabolic requirements for ambulation. It is unclear how adding mass at different locations on a transfemoral prosthesis might affect these outcomes. Research question Does walking with mass added at different locations on a transfemoral prosthesis affect temporal-spatial gait parameters and metabolic requirements compared to walking with no additional mass?

Methods: Fourteen participants with unilateral transfemoral amputations took part.

Functional Performance Outcomes of a Powered Knee-Ankle Prosthesis in Service Members With Unilateral Transfemoral Limb Loss.

Introduction: Clinical knowledge surrounding functional outcomes of a powered knee-ankle (PKA) device is limited, particularly among younger and active populations with limb loss. Here, three service members (SM) with unilateral transfemoral limb loss received an optimally tuned PKA prosthesis and device-specific training.

Materials And Methods: Once proficiency with the PKA device was demonstrated on benchmark activities, and outcomes with the PKA and standard-of-care (SoC) prostheses were obtained via a modified graded treadmill test, 6-minute walk test, and overground gait assessment.

Usability, functionality, and efficacy of a custom myoelectric elbow-wrist-hand orthosis to assist elbow function in individuals with stroke.

Introduction: After stroke, upper limb impairment affects independent performance of activities of daily living. We evaluated the usability, functionality, and efficacy of a myoelectric elbow-wrist-hand orthosis to provide support, limit unsafe motion, and enhance the functional motion of paralyzed or weak upper limbs.

Methods: Individuals with stroke participated in a single-session study to evaluate the device.

Combining Accelerometer and GPS Features to Evaluate Community Mobility in Knee Ankle Foot Orthoses (KAFO) Users.

Orthotic and assistive devices such as knee ankle foot orthoses (KAFO), come in a variety of forms and fits, with several levels of available features that could help users perform daily activities more naturally. However, objective data on the actual use of these devices outside of the research lab is usually not obtained. Such data could enhance traditional lab-based outcome measures and inform clinical decision-making when prescribing new orthotic and assistive technology.

Using a microprocessor knee (C-Leg) with appropriate foot transitioned individuals with dysvascular transfemoral amputations to higher performance levels: a longitudinal randomized clinical trial.

Background: Individuals with transfemoral amputations who are considered to be limited community ambulators are classified as Medicare functional classification (MFCL) level K2. These individuals are usually prescribed a non-microprocessor controlled knee (NMPK) with an appropriate foot for simple walking functions. However, existing research suggests that these individuals can benefit from using a microprocessor controlled knee (MPK) and appropriate foot for their ambulation, but cannot obtain one due to insurance policy restrictions.

Microprocessor Controlled Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis (KAFO) vs Stance Control vs Locked KAFO: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: To evaluate the potential of a microprocessor swing and stance controlled knee-ankle-foot orthosis (MPO) to improve balance, functional mobility, and quality of life in individuals with lower-extremity impairments as compared to a stance-control-orthosis (SCO) and conventional knee-ankle-foot orthosis (KAFO) over a use-period of a month.

Design: Randomized crossover study.

Setting: Ambulatory research laboratory and home and community for community-dwelling adults.

Postural and Metabolic Benefits of Using a Forearm Support Walker in Older Adults With Impairments.

Objective: To investigate the postural and metabolic benefits a walker with adjustable elbow support (LifeWalker [LW]) can provide for ambulation in population with impairment. The clinical outcomes from the elbow support walker will be compared with standard rollator (SR) and participants predicate device (PD).

Design: Case-crossover study design.

Impact of Powered Knee-Ankle Prosthesis on Low Back Muscle Mechanics in Transfemoral Amputees: A Case Series.

Regular use of prostheses is critical for individuals with lower limb amputations to achieve everyday mobility, maintain physical and physiological health, and achieve a better quality of life. Use of prostheses is influenced by numerous factors, with prosthetic design playing a critical role in facilitating mobility for an amputee. Thus, prostheses design can either promote biomechanically efficient or inefficient gait behavior.

Activity Recognition in Individuals Walking With Assistive Devices: The Benefits of Device-Specific Models.

Background: Wearable sensors gather data that machine-learning models can convert into an identification of physical activities, a clinically relevant outcome measure. However, when individuals with disabilities upgrade to a new walking assistive device, their gait patterns can change, which could affect the accuracy of activity recognition.

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess whether we need to train an activity recognition model with labeled data from activities performed with the new assistive device, rather than data from the original device or from healthy individuals.