Oxygen consumption during ambulation: Comparison of using a prosthesis fitted with and without a tele-torsion device

Objective: To determine the energy expenditure and subjective comfort rating of walking in transtibial amputee patients using their prosthesis fitted either with or without a tele-torsion device (TT Pylon). Design: Randomized, before-after trial. Setting: Gait laboratory. Participants: Six men, moderately active, with unilateral transtibial amputation (mean age, 39.5 +/- 9.9y). Intervention: Subjects walked on a motorized treadmill using their prosthesis fitted either with (ProsWith) or without (ProsWithout) a TT Pylon. Trials were repeated with subjects walking at speeds 100%, 130%, and 160% of their "normal" pace., Main Outcome Measures: The energy expended (VO2) and subjective comfort rating during each walking trial. Results: VO2 during walking with the prosthesis fitted with the TT Pylon was 5.4% and 9.1% lower than when using the prosthesis without the TT Pylon, at the speeds 130% and 160% of normal, respectively. Findings at the speed 16017, greater than normal were significant (P < .05). Two of the subjects perceived no difference in prosthetic comfort between ProsWith and ProsWithout. The other 4 subjects preferred the TT Pylon at all speeds. Conclusion: Use of a TT Pylon can significantly reduce the energy expenditure of walking at speeds above normal.