At a glance
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Optimizing Prosthetic and Bicycle Fit for Veterans With Transtibial Amputations
In Brief
An observational study evaluating Prosthetic/Bicycle Configuration for Amputation. Completed, enrolled 12 participants across 1 site.
Detailed Summary
Bicycling is a promising form of low-impact exercise that could prevent/treat Type 2 diabetes. However, Veterans with transtibial amputations (TTAs) may not effectively utilize bicycling for rehabilitation and exercise due to improper bike fit, socket discomfort, and/or the potential for injury. An optimized prosthetic/bicycle fit could improve comfort and reduce injury risk by decreasing asymmetries between legs, lowering metabolic costs, and improving efficiency for Veterans with TTAs during bicycling. Moreover, the use of objective prosthetic/bicycle fit guidelines would allow clinicians to facilitate shorter appointment times and fewer revisits for Veterans with TTAs. The investigators will determine the physiological and biomechanical effects of different prosthetic and bicycle configurations for Veterans with a TTA to develop optimal prosthetic/bicycle fit guidelines. The investigators hypothesize that a longer prosthetic pylon length and shorter bicycle crank arm length for the affected compared to the unaffected leg along with a pedal attachment position beneath the pylon compared to beneath the forefoot will optimize performance for Veterans with TTAs the investigators' research will integrate evidence-based guidelines to advance rehabilitation and enhance the lives of Veterans with an amputation, thus improving and restoring their function.
Study Details
Timeline
Interventions
The investigators will measure the biomechanics (motion, forces, and muscle activity) and metabolic rates while subjects ride using an initial bike fit and three taller pylon lengths (PL) for the affected leg (AL) in increments of 6.8 mm using a pedal attachment position (PAP) beneath the prosthetic forefoot. Then, using the optimal (most efficient) PL, the investigators will measure the biomechanics and metabolic rates while subjects ride using three shorter crank arm lengths (CALs) for the AL in decrements of 6.8 mm using a PAP beneath the prosthetic forefoot. On Day 2, the investigators will repeat the protocol of Day 1, but have riders use a PAP beneath the pylon for their AL.