Interrater reliability of mechanical tests for functional classification oftranstibial prosthesis components distal to the socket

摘要

Substantial evidence suggests that the design andassociated mechanical function of lowerlimb prostheses affectsuser health and mobility, supporting common standards of clinicalpractice for appropriate matching of prosthesis design anduser needs. This matching process is dependent on accurate andreliable methods for the functional classification of prostheticcomponents. The American Orthotic & Prosthetic Associationdeveloped a set of tests for Lcode characterization of prosthesismechanical properties to facilitate functional classificationof passive belowknee prosthetic components. The mechanicaltests require use of testspecific fixtures to be installed in amaterials testing machine by a test administrator. Therefore, thepurpose of this study was to assess the interrater reliability oftest outcomes between two administrators using the same testingfacility. Ten prosthetic components (8 feet and 2 pylons)that spanned the range of commercial designs were subjected to allappropriate tests. Tests with scalar outcomes demonstrated highinterrater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient (2,1) >/=0.935), and there was no discrepancy in observationbased outcomesbetween administrators, suggesting that betweenadministratorvariability may not present a significant source of error.These results support the integration of these mechanical testsfor prosthesis classification, which will help enhance objectivityand optimization of the prosthesispatient matching processfor maximizing rehabilitation outcomes.