Comparing a Passive-Elastic and a Powered Prosthesis in Transtibial Amputees with Diabetes Mellitus

Many North Americans are currently living with a limb loss. In 2005, there were 1.6 million lower-limb amputees in the United States, and it is estimated that the prevalence will rise to 3.6 million in 2050. About 58% of all lower-limb amputations result from diabetes and its complications. Amputees with diabetes are typically older adults (i.e. 65+ years of age) and suffer from added co-morbidities. Being an amputee because of diabetes complications is associated with an augmented risk (compared to traumatic amputees) of cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, stroke, subsequent amputations and interventions for peripheral vascular diseases (peripheral angioplasty, stent or bypass surgery). Secondary prevention and risk reduction strategies in amputees with diabetes mellitus have been developed and are aimed at controlling risk factors. A commonly proposed intervention is physical activity. Aerobic exercise alone has been demonstrated to reduce cardiovascular complications and overall mortality, improve glycemic indices and weight control, and has been associated with an improved quality of life in diabetic patients. One of the most accessible physical activities for every individual is locomotion, which in amputees requires the use of a prosthesis with or without other assistive devices.