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Assessment of aerobic capacity and walking economy of unilateral transfemoral amputees.
Prosthet Orthot Int. 2013 Jun 24;
Authors: Gjovaag T, Starholm IM, Mirtaheri P, Hegge FW, Skjetne K
Abstract
Background:Studies of the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) of transfemoral amputees have mostly used protocols that activate a relatively small muscle mass. Consequently, transfemoral amputee VO2max may be systematically underestimated, and the validity of these test protocols is questionable.Objectives:(1) Investigate validity and reliability of a VO2max walking protocol and (2) compare the VO2max of a transfemoral amputee group with a group of matching controls.Study design:(1) Randomized crossover study: walking versus running VO2max for the control group and (2) case-control study: transfemoral amputees versus control group VO2max.Methods:Twelve transfemoral amputees and control participants performed a walking VO2max test with increasing treadmill inclinations to voluntary exhaustion. The control group also completed a running ("gold-standard") VO2max test.Results: Mean (standard deviation) control group VO2max following walking and running was similar, that is, 2.99 (0.6) L min(-1) and 3.09 (0.7) L min(-1), respectively. Mean (standard deviation) transfemoral amputee walking VO2max was 2.14 (0.8) L min(-1) (compared to CON; p < 0.01). Mean intraclass correlation coefficient of repeated VO2 measurements was 0.97, and within-subjects standard deviation was 60 mL min(-1).Conclusions:The walk protocol is valid. Walking VO2max of transfemoral amputees was 40% lower compared to control group. Reliability of the walking protocol is comparable to other walking protocols.Clinical relevanceThe design, alignment, and materials of prostheses are important for effective ambulation. Cardio-respiratory fitness is, however, also important in this regard, and a low fitness may compromise health and independent living. Hence, transfemoral amputees with low physical fitness should engage in regular physical activity to improve health, gait capacity, and independency.
PMID: 23798044 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Read more... http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23798044?dopt=Abstract
