The role of exercise testing in predicting successful ambulation with a lower extremity prosthesis: a systematic literature review and clinical practice guideline.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-5-2018

Publication Title

Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation

ISSN

1743-0003

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Growing discontent with the k-level system for functional classification of patients with limb loss and movement of healthcare toward evidence-based practice has resulted in the need for alternative forms of functional classification and development of clinical practice guidelines to improve access to quality prosthetic interventions. The purpose of this project was to develop and present a clinical practice recommendation for exercise testing in prosthetic patient care based on the results and synthesis of a systematic literature review.

METHODS: Database searches of PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Cochrane were conducted and articles reviewed. Of the potential 1386 articles 10 met the criteria for inclusion. These articles were assessed using the critical appraisal tool of the United Kingdom National Service Framework for Long-Term Conditions. Of the 10 included articles eight were of high, one of medium, and one of low, quality. Data from these articles were synthesized into 6 empirical evidence statements, all qualifying for research grade A. These statements were used to develop the proposed clinical practice guideline.

RESULTS: While the results of this systematic review were not able to support the direct connection between cardiorespiratory performance and K-levels, the literature did support the ability of exercise testing results to predict successful prosthetic ambulation in some demographics. Both continuous maximum-intensity single lower extremity ergometer propelled by a sound limb and intermittent submaximal upper extremity ergometer protocols were found to be viable evaluation tools of cardiorespiratory fitness and function in the target population.

CONCLUSION: The ability to sustain an exercise intensity of ≥50% of a predicted VO

Volume

15

Issue

Suppl 1

First Page

64

Last Page

64

Comments

Published as: Klenow TD, Mengelkoch LJ, Stevens PM, Ràbago CA, Hill OT, Latlief GA, Ruiz-Gamboa R, Jason Highsmith M. The role of exercise testing in predicting successful ambulation with a lower extremity prosthesis: a systematic literature review and clinical practice guideline. J Neuroeng Rehabil. 2018 Sep 5;15(Suppl 1):64. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12984-018-0401-z

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12984-018-0401-z

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