Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies

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https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/100750

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Browsing Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies by Subject "Amputees -- Rehabilitation -- Attitudes"

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    A qualitative exploration of the experience of using an above-knee prosthesis with a microprocessor knee
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2021-12) Strafella, Tosca; Visagie, Surona; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies.
    ENGLISH SUMMARY : Background: Modern technology has allowed for many advancements in prosthetic knees. One such advancement is microprocessor-controlled knees. Quantitative research has shown functional advantages amongst users of microprocessor knees. However, the user experiences of these knees have not been widely explored. Objective: The study aimed to explore and describe the experience of using and obtaining an above-knee prosthesis with a microprocessor knee. Study design: This study was qualitative descriptive in design. Methods: Six participants who used prostheses with microprocessor knees were purposively sampled. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews using video-calls. An inductive thematic analysis led to the identification of five themes. Results: Identified themes were: A life of quality – “life-changing”; Functional ability – “the beauty is that it helps you perform properly”; Safety – “a few stumbles but every time the knee catches me”; Limitations – “sometimes the mechanics are a little bit slow”; and Obtaining a microprocessor knee. Participants felt that the microprocessor knee decreased their disability and helped to normalize them. They were more functional with the protheses and positive about the safety features of the microprocessor knee. Obtaining funding for the microprocessor knee was typically a lengthy process and raised important questions around the ethical dilemma of cost versus benefit. Conclusion: Using the MPKs have improved the lives of participants in many ways. Being more aware of these benefits may assist practitioners in offering the appropriate prescription and funding motivation for future users. The cost versus benefit conundrum around prescribing microprocessor knees must be further explored especially in low- and middle-income countries.