Effectiveness of Physiological Cost Index and Gait Parameters in Conventional Versus Ultramodern Prosthesis in Unilateral Transtibial Amputees -A Comparitive Study

Objectives: To determine the effects of two different prosthetic types on physiological cost index(PCI) and gait parameters in persons with transtibial amputation during ambulation and to determine the effect of 8 weeks of exercise program for transtibial amputees on PCI and gait parameters.

Intervention: All the subjects were given standardized exercise program, which include Balance activities, Ambulation activities, Functional activities, Resisted isotonic exercises and endurance training.

Methodology: Forty transtibial amputees using either conventional or ultramodern prosthesis with independent community walking were allocated into two groups Group A and Group B. Group A was using ultramodern prosthesis and Group B was using Conventional prosthesis. Both the groups received similar exercise program thrice a week on alternate days for 8 weeks.

Outcome Measures: The spatio-temporal parameters of gait like step length, stride length and cadence were measured using foot print method of gait analysis and energy expenditure of transtibial amputees was measured using Physiological cost index. All the parameters were measured pre and post treatment and compared statistically.

Results: The paired t test showed significant improvements in all the outcome measures, PCI, Step Length, Stride Length, and cadence between the pre and post intervention in both the groups, but the changes in group A were more significant when compared with group B.

Conclusion: Exercise program for 8 weeks significantly decreased the energy expenditure of the below knee amputees walking with a prosthesis in terms of PCI and also improved the gait symmetry ultimately improving their functional capability. These exercises should be considered while rehabilitating a below knee amputee.