EVALUATION OF A MICROPROCESSOR-CONTROLLED
PROSTHETIC KNEE-ANKLE SYSTEM
Objective
To demonstrate the improved service provided by SYNSYS microprocessor full-leg system compared with a microprocessor-controlled prosthetic knee
Method
A prospective, multicenter, randomized, and crossover study. The results were based on 12 subjects, and the study took place over 4+ years. Over the study, both groups (Study Group 1 and Study Group 2) were visited 4 times. At 4 weeks, Group 1 switched from their usual prostheses to the use of SYNSYS, while Group 2 switched from SYNSYS to the use of their usual prosthesis.
Recruitment Timeline
Results
SYNSYS out-performs the usual prosthesis on flat ground, slope climbing, downhill slope, and stair descent.
Usual prosthesis
SYNSYS
Asymptomatic subjects
Ref: Dauriac et al 2015
*p<0.05 = significant difference
Increased toe clearance due to active dorsiflexion of the toes during swing phase, proven to increase stability and confidence.
Usual prosthesis
SYNSYS
*p<0.05 = significant difference
Participants reported better social & physical functioning, better appearance, better rated residual limb health, better rated utility, and lower perceived effort in the 6-minute walk test.
Statistically significant improvement
Using the SF-36 Quality of Life Questionnaire, we tested Physical (PCS) and Mental (MCS) and found that SNSYS users reported both better social functioning and physical functioning. Additionally, on a 12-subscales Prosthesis Evaluation Questionnaire (PEQ), 8 out of 12 improved with SYNSYS and there was a significant improvement in appearance score.
Conclusion
SYNSYS statistically significantly improves daily life, provides users with functional benefits close to a natural gait, and enhances stability and security.
Requena, C et al. (2023, September 18). Increased of stability and security in transfemoral amputees with a knee-ankle synergistic system. Presented at ESMAC. Athens, Greece.