engleski

Postural sway characteristics in amputees tested on stabilometric balance platform

Disturbed equilibrium in standing and walking, and the diminished ability to maintain a correct standing position as well as maintaining the center of body mass over its base of support with minimal postural sway are common problems in amputees. Objective quantification has been made by testing postural sway characteristics on a computerized stabilometric balance platform (Cosmogamma). Thirty patients with above-knee amputations (average 58 yrs) and 30 patients with below-knee amputations (average 46.5 yrs.) were studied. All were fitted with adequate prosthesis. The statokinesigram and stabilogram were made with calculation of the covered area and the path length. Romberg's indexes tested with closed and opened eyes were calculated (60 sec. each). Results were compared to results in healthy controls of the same age. Statistical analysis comprising percentage and significance parameters showed a larger sway area. Compared to control group results the below-knee amputees had 1.7 times greater, and the above-knee amputees had 4.9 times greater, sway area in the test with open eyes. Significantly greater difference was found in the test with closed eyes. The sway area was 4.5 times greater for in below-knee amputees and 7.3 times greater in the above-knee amputees. Path length was 2 times longer in test with opened eyes and 2.4 times in test with closed eyes in the below-knee amputees. Compared to healthy controls the above-knee amputees showed 3 times longer path length in both tests. We found the balance platform testing to be a good tool in the evaluation of prosthetic appliance and rehabilitation of amputees.

posture; stabilometric balance

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