《Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice》 ›› 2021, Vol. 27 ›› Issue (4): 472-477.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1006-9771.2021.04.013

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Effects of Tactile Vibration Feedback System on Balance Function and Walking Ability of Unilateral Transtibial Amputees with Prostheses

Shi-qi WANG1,2,Ya-qian GAO1,2,Ze-hua XU1,2,Heng LIN1,2,Fang-yuan XU1,2(),Li YUAN1,2()   

  1. 1.Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
    2.Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
  • Received:2020-12-01 Revised:2021-01-17 Published:2021-04-25 Online:2021-04-20
  • Contact: Fang-yuan XU,Li YUAN E-mail:x5144@163.com;yuanli_swmu@163.com
  • Supported by:
    Sichuan Science and Technology Program(2019YFS0139)

Abstract: Objective

To observe the effect of the tactile vibration feedback system on the balance and walking function of the unilateral transitional amputees with prostheses.

Methods

From October, 2019 to November 2020, eleven unilateral transtibial amputees with prostheses were selected from our hospital. They performed daily activities for three hours wearing tactile vibration feedback system designed by our department. The patients were evaluated by Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA), gait analysis and outdoor 1000 meters complex road walking test before and after treatment.

Results

The balance score of the POMA improved (Z = -2.264, P < 0.05), the gait score and total score of the POMA increased significantly (|t| > 6.249, P < 0.001) after treatment. Gait analysis showed that the step length of the affected side improved, the bilateral step time and double support phase shortened, and the walking speed increased (|t| > 2.250, |Z| > 2.756, P < 0.05) after installation. The outdoor 1000 meters complex road walking test showed that the total steps, energy consumption and time decreased (|t| > 2.412, |Z| > 2.045, P < 0.05). All the patients finished the trail, and no discomfort appeared.

Conclusion

The tactile vibration feedback system could safely and effectively improve the balance and walking function of the unilateral transtibial amputees with prostheses.

Key words: vibration feedback, prostheses, transtibial amputation, balance, walking

CLC Number: