Burcu Burçak1, Bilge Kesikburun2, Belma Füsun Köseoğlu1, Öznur Öken1, Asuman Doğan1. 1. Ministry of Health, Ankara Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Ankara, Turkey. 2. Ministry of Health, Ankara Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Ankara, Turkey. Electronic address: drbilgekb@gmail.com.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: High-tech prostheses are supposed to achieve better functional recovery over mechanical-controlled prostheses in lower-limb amputees. However, quantitative data are insufficient. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate changes in quality of life, life satisfaction, perception of body image, and functional performance of lower-limb amputees when using a mechanical-controlled prosthesis versus a microprocessor-controlled knee (MPK) or transtibial vacuum-assisted suspension system (VASS) prosthesis. METHODS: In this pragmatic study, 57 lower-limb amputees were assessed with the Satisfaction with the Prosthesis Questionnaire (SATPRO), revised Amputee Body Image Scale (ABIS-R), Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experience Scales (TAPES), Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (SF-36) and 6-min walk test (6MWT). All assessments were performed under 2 conditions (i.e., using a mechanical-controlled prosthesis vs. an MPK/VASS prosthesis. RESULTS: Amputees who used an MPK/VASS prosthesis showed significant increases in all SF-36 subscale scores and all subscale scores of TAPES except adjustment to limitation (P=0.156). The amputees showed clinically relevant improvements in 6MWT (P<0.001) and in SATPRO and ABIS-R scores (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Lower-limb amputees using an MPK/VASS prosthesis had better life satisfaction, quality of life and functional performance than those using a mechanical-controlled prosthesis.
BACKGROUND: High-tech prostheses are supposed to achieve better functional recovery over mechanical-controlled prostheses in lower-limb amputees. However, quantitative data are insufficient. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate changes in quality of life, life satisfaction, perception of body image, and functional performance of lower-limb amputees when using a mechanical-controlled prosthesis versus a microprocessor-controlled knee (MPK) or transtibial vacuum-assisted suspension system (VASS) prosthesis. METHODS: In this pragmatic study, 57 lower-limb amputees were assessed with the Satisfaction with the Prosthesis Questionnaire (SATPRO), revised Amputee Body Image Scale (ABIS-R), Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experience Scales (TAPES), Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (SF-36) and 6-min walk test (6MWT). All assessments were performed under 2 conditions (i.e., using a mechanical-controlled prosthesis vs. an MPK/VASS prosthesis. RESULTS: Amputees who used an MPK/VASS prosthesis showed significant increases in all SF-36 subscale scores and all subscale scores of TAPES except adjustment to limitation (P=0.156). The amputees showed clinically relevant improvements in 6MWT (P<0.001) and in SATPRO and ABIS-R scores (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Lower-limb amputees using an MPK/VASS prosthesis had better life satisfaction, quality of life and functional performance than those using a mechanical-controlled prosthesis.