Multivariable Comparison of Energy-Storing Prosthetic Feet in Persons with Unilateral Transtibial Amputation

Background/Objectives: Choosing the best prosthetic foot for a patient is complicated by the many available options and limited evidence to distinguish them. This work aimed to clarify performance differences in the level-ground walking of K3-functional-level persons with amputations across a variety of prosthetic feet within the energy storage and return class. Methods: This clinical trial assessed 10 subjects fitted with the Ossur ProFlex foot (LP and XC) compared to their original foot after a 30-day adaptation period and careful prosthetic alignment matching. Multivariate data (walking performance, noise/play, balance and satisfaction) were collected in the gait laboratory. Results: Results were mixed across the cohort. MCID and statistical analysis were used to assess the magnitude and importance of the changes observed. Overall, the changes were small and not statistically significant. Conclusions: Our findings support that performance across a variety of measures for K3-level amputees walking over level ground is relatively insensitive to prosthetic foot componentry within the energy storage and return class. While functional performance is not the only metric that contributes to foot choice, it is an important one. This study helps to circumscribe its role in the larger decision-making framework for this class of componentry in persons with transtibial amputation.