English

Abstract

AIM: To estimate the effectiveness of balance training on unilateral transtibal amputee with conventional prosthesis and ultramodern prosthesis. To compare the Effectiveness of balance training in conventional prosthesis versus ultramodern prosthesis in unilateral transtibial amputee by using Flamingo balance test. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After obtaining informed consent from the patients, we studied a total of 40 patients, aged between 30- 60 yrs, where they were randomly allocated into two groups. 20 patients in Group A with conventional prosthesis and 20 patients with ultramodern prosthesis in group B were subjected to 3 weeks of structured exercise programme after initial assessment of balance with Flamingo's balance test and ten metre walk test. These tests were repeated in repeated in both the groups after the exercise programme and the results were tabulated and analysed. RESULTS: The mean age of population in group A was 50.55± 7.20 and in group B was 48.55±5.58, with age group ranging from 30 - 60 yrs. In group A the pre and post interventions mean values in Flamingo's balance test were 15.55±2.58 and 13.05±3.05 respectively. In group B the pre and post intervention mean values were 12.35±1.26 and 8.3±0.86 respectively. In group A the pre and post interventions mean values in ten metre walk test are 45.00±3.62 and 35.00±6.39 respectively. In group B the pre and post intervention mean value are 40.00±4.29 and 26.70±2.95 respectively. The mean difference of balance using Flamingo Balance test during pre and post intervention in both the groups were compared using independent 't' test, which showed (t of 4.971 vs 6.805 in Groups A and B respectively; p=000*). The mean difference of balance in both the groups for ten metre walk test were t of 3.979 vs 5.650 in Groups A and B respectively (; p= 000*). CONCLUSION: In both groups there are statistically significant improvements in scores flamingo balance test and 10mt. walk test (p=000*). The improvements in patients with ultramodern prosthesis were statistically more significant than in patients with conventional prosthesis. So exercise program of 3 weeks duration proved to be an effective method to reduce the imbalance and improve the gait efficiency.