How Well Do the Sample Populations in Microprocessor-Controlled Prosthetic Knee Technology Research Represent People with Limb Absence? A Systematic Review.

Background/Objectives: Studies consistently demonstrate that microprocessor-controlled prosthetic knees (MPKs) improve mobility and quality of life for people with lower limb loss or absence by enhancing balance and reducing falls. However, the extent to which these benefits apply across demographic...

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Publicado en:Prosthesis (2673-1592) Vol. 8; no. 8; pp. 87 - 105
Autores principales: Alharbi, Omar A., Dickinson, Alex, Ostler, Chantel, Donovan-Hall, Maggie
Formato: research systematic review tables/charts Journal Article
Publicado: MDPI Aug2026
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
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        atl: How Well Do the Sample Populations in Microprocessor-Controlled Prosthetic Knee Technology Research Represent People with Limb Absence? A Systematic Review.
      aug:
        au:
          Alharbi, Omar A.
          Dickinson, Alex
          Ostler, Chantel
          Donovan-Hall, Maggie
        affil: Department of Prosthetics and Orthotics, Faculty of Medical Rehabilitation Sciences, Taibah University, Madinah 42353, Saudi Arabia
      sug:
        subj:
          Amputation
          Computer Processor
          Limb Prosthesis
          Prosthesis Design
          Research, Medical
          Amputees
          Research Subjects
          Sociodemographic Factors
          Human
          Male
          Female
          Adult
          Middle Age
          Aged
          Aged, 80 and Over
          Systematic Review
          CINAHL Database
          Medline
          PubMed
          Checklists
          Content Analysis
          Thematic Analysis
          Age Factors
          Sex Factors
          Above-Knee Amputation
          Below-Knee Amputation
          Amputation, Traumatic
          Adult: 19-44 years
          Middle Aged: 45-64 years
          Aged: 65+ years
          Aged, 80 & over
          Male
          Female
      ab: Background/Objectives: Studies consistently demonstrate that microprocessor-controlled prosthetic knees (MPKs) improve mobility and quality of life for people with lower limb loss or absence by enhancing balance and reducing falls. However, the extent to which these benefits apply across demographic groups remains unclear. Therefore, we conducted a literature review to evaluate how representative and transferable research on MPKs is across different populations, and which factors influence this. Methods: Using systematic review principles and PRISMA guidelines, 27 studies were analysed from databases including Cochrane, CINAHL, MEDLINE, and PubMed, as of 20th September 2025. The included studies primarily focused on young-to-middle-aged adults, men, individuals with trauma-related amputation, and higher mobility levels. Results: We found that older adults, women, and individuals with amputation caused by vascular disease or diabetes were under-represented in MPK research. Moreover, variability in time since amputation complicates the generalisability of findings, as this factor significantly influences adaptation and functional outcomes. Conclusions: While evidence supports MPKs' effectiveness in enhancing mobility and reducing the risk of falls, their benefits may not fully apply to under-represented groups, such as older adults, women, or low-activity users. Future research should prioritise more diverse participant samples to improve the generalisation of MPK outcomes across different demographics and functional levels.
      pubtype: Academic Journal
      doctype:
        research
        systematic review
        tables/charts
        Journal Article
      ougenre: Article
    language: English
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