Fall-related Health Outcome in Lower Limb Prosthesis Users: A Pragmatic Clinical Trial to Assess Effectiveness of Microprocessor-controlled Prosthetic Knees
Hanger Institute for Clinical Research and Education, LLC
Summary
The goal of this study is to find out if using microprocessor-controlled prosthetic knees (MPKs), prosthetic knees with a built-in computer, improves health outcomes related to falls in adults who use above-knee prostheses. The main questions are: * Do individuals with MPKs have fewer fall-related health issues compared to those with non-microprocessor-controlled prosthetic knees (nMPKs)? * Do individuals with MPKs have increased mobility, faster walking speed, and improved quality of life compared to those with nMPKs? Participants who have recently received an nMPK as part of their regular care can join the study. Those randomized to the control group will keep using their nMPK, while those randomized to the intervention group will receive a stance-and-swing MPK or a stance-only MPK.
Description
This study aims to assess the effects of microprocessor-controlled prosthetic knees on fall-related health outcomes in prosthesis users classified as limited community ambulators. This study also seeks to expand the existing research on the potential microprocessor-controlled prosthetic knees (MPKs) have on improving health outcomes for patients who are classified as limited community ambulators (i.e., Medicare Functional Level K2). The investigators will examine whether the anticipated reduction in falls in K2 users is accompanied by improvements in fall-related health outcomes like fall-rela…