The effect of segmental weight of prosthesis on hemodynamic responses and energy expenditure of lower extremity amputees.

Only 13 participants were studied, and all were independent walkers with normal blood pressure and heart rate and no cardiac or pulmonary disorders, so the results may not apply to patients who use aids, have bilateral amputation, or have cardiopulmonary disease. The study tested only one added weight, 250 g, and did not compare amputation levels, so it does not show how different prosthetic masses or amputation types respond. Measurements were always taken without weight first and then with weight, so fatigue or practice effects could have influenced the comparisons. The report says one subject was excluded for severe lower-limb pain while walking, and the final analysed sample is not clearly distinguished from the included sample. There was no control group of healthy lower limbs or non-weight conditions beyond each participant's own without-weight test, so comparisons are limited to the tested 250 g increment.

No funding, grants, equipment, or financial benefits were reported.

Do not conclude that a 250 g prosthetic weight change will produce the same effect in every amputee. The study added 250 g to 13 independent unilateral amputees and tested only one weight increment.