Conducting a longitudinal cohort study to assess functional outcomes for persons with above-knee amputation fitted with osseointegrated and conventional socket prostheses is feasible and safe.
Claire Tucak1,2, Andrea Becker3, Robyn Fary3,4, Beck Hefferon2, Pip Pienaar2, Meg Harrold3,4 1Perron Institute for Neurological And Translational Science, Perth, WA, Australia2Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth , WA, Australia3Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia4enAble Institute, Perth, WA, Australia
Abstract
Purpose: To determine the feasibility of conducting a longitudinal cohort study to assess balance, balance confidence, gait and quality of life, in persons with above-knee amputation, fitted with osseointegrated or conventional socket prostheses.
Methods: Feasibility was evaluated based on four metrics; process, resources, safety and outcome measure suitability. Participants attended a one-off assessment of: (1) Timed up and go test, (2) Activities-specific balance confidence scale questionnaire, (3) Questionnaire for persons with transfemoral amputation, and (4) SMART EquiTest system balance assessment. Measures were summarised using percentages or descriptive analysis.
Results: Seven above-knee amputees participated in the study (osseointegrated 57%, conventional socket 43%). Results showed conducting a longitudinal study is feasible and safe. Three of the outcome measures were considered acceptable for use in future studies. The SMART EquiTest proved a suitable balance assessment tool in this population.
Conclusion: It is feasible to conduct a longitudinal cohort study to assess balance, balance confidence, gait and quality of life in persons with above-knee amputation. Incorporation of recommended changes to the protocol and procedures would form a robust study, providing advice and direction for patients, clinicians and funders to inform prosthetic choice.
Biography
Claire is an APA Neurological Physiotherapist and works as the Senior Physiotherapist at the Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science and Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital Physiotherapy Department in Perth.
Her current role involves supporting the specialist neurology outpatient clinics at the Perron Institute and undertaking various roles of site PI, study coordinator, assessor, and providing study interventions as part of several research projects in the areas of Stroke, MS, and Parkinson’s.