A Pilot Clinical Trial to Assess the Effect of Transfemoral Socket Design on Hip Muscle Function
Abstract
The objective of this pilot research project is to evaluate the effect of prosthetic socket design on amputated limb hip muscle strength and endurance in Service members, Veterans, and civilians who use above-the-knee prostheses. Traditional above-the-knee socket designs provide pelvic support that interferes with hip motion. They may also reduce the effort required from amputated limb hip muscles to stabilize the hip and amputated limb, risking further loss of muscle mass and strength beyond that due to amputation. Long-standing use of above-the-knee sockets with pelvic support may therefore intensify amputated limb muscle loss and weakness, leading to challenges with walking and balance, increasing the effort required to walk, and contributing to degenerative changes in the hips and knees. Alternative socket designs that lessen the loss of muscle mass and strength are therefore required.
The investigators have developed a new socket without pelvic support for above-the-knee prosthesis users called the Northwestern University Flexible Sub-Ischial Suction (NU-FlexSIS) Socket. This new socket design increases user comfort and is often preferred by users over sockets with pelvic support. This new socket does not lessen the mechanical function of the socket, or walking and balance performance. Our recent research suggests that walking with this new socket may also increase amputated limb hip muscle size. However, more research is needed to demonstrate that this new socket…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a clinical trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 5 participants or records.
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