Author ORCID Identifier
Stergiou - https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9737-9939
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
5-2017
Abstract
Objective
To determine changes in average daily step count (ADSC) and 6-minute walk test (6MWT) due to use of low-activity feet (LA) and high-activity energy-storage-and-return (ESAR) feet, and examine the sensitivity of these measures to properly classify different prosthetic feet.
Design
Individuals with transtibial amputations (n = 28) participated in a 6-week, randomized crossover study. During separate 3-week periods, participants wore either a LA foot (eg, solid-ankle-cushioned-heel) or an ESAR foot. Differences in 6MWT and ADSC at the end of the 3-week period were recorded.
Results
Subjects performed similarly in the 6MWT with the LA and ESAR foot (P = 0.871) and ADSC (P = 0.076). The correct classification of ESAR is only 51.9% and 61.5% with 6MWT and ADSC, respectively. For the LA foot, correct classification is less than 50% for both tests.
Conclusions
Neither ADSC or 6MWT are responsive to changes in prosthetic feet. The pitfalls and shortcomings of these instruments with regard to their ability to detect differences in prosthetic feet are outlined. Based on these results, it is not recommended that the 6MWT and ADSC are used as a means to assess outcomes for different prosthetic feet.
Journal Title
American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Volume
96
Issue
5
First Page
294
Last Page
300
Recommended Citation
Wurdeman, S.R., Schmid, K.K., Myers, S.A., Jacobsen, A.L., & Stergiou, N. (2017 May). Step Activity and 6-minute walk test outcomes when wearing low-activity or high-activity prosthetic feet. American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, 96(5), 294-300. doi: 10.1097/PHM.0000000000000607
Comments
This is a non-final version of an article published in final form in American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation: May 2017 - Volume 96 - Issue 5 - p 294-300
doi: 10.1097/PHM.0000000000000607