Symmetry function in gait pattern analysis in patients after unilateral transfemoral amputation using a mechanical or microprocessor prosthetic knee.
Mateusz Kowal, Sławomir Winiarski, Ewa Gieysztor and 5 others
PMID 33468184WHAT IT FOUND
A microprocessor knee did not make gait clearly more symmetrical than a mechanical knee.
The two groups differed mainly in hip movements in the frontal plane, and both still walked asymmetrically compared to healthy controls.
Key findings
01Gait speed did not differ between the microprocessor and mechanical knee groups.
02Between-group differences were concentrated in hip movements in the frontal plane; other pelvic and hip asymmetries were largely similar.
03Compared to healthy controls, asymmetry was still present in both prosthetic groups, with the largest differences in pelvic tilt in the sagittal plane.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTs
Read the rest of this summary
You get three full summaries a month, free, and we do not ask for a card. Search, the TL;DRs and your library stay unlimited either way.
What it does not show
The study was conducted at a single center. The sample size was small (7 per prosthetic group), limiting generalizability. The groups were not randomly assigned; knee type was based on existing equipment. The study did not analyze how participant physical characteristics influenced the results. The control group was significantly younger than the amputation group (mean age 32 vs 41.5 years).
Declared interests
The paper states 'Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't' but does not provide a specific conflict of interest statement or funding source in the provided text.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that microprocessor knees are ineffective or that mechanical knees are superior. The study found differences in *how* asymmetry manifested (frontal plane hip movement) rather than a clear overall superiority in symmetry. The small sample size and lack of randomization mean these findings should not drive clinical prescribing decisions.