User needs, prosthetic design priorities, and functional movement assessments for children with above/through-knee limb absence in Cambodia: a mixed methods interactive interview

Résumé fourni par la source

Prosthetic user needs for children with above/through-knee (A/TK) limb absence in low-resource environments have not been defined at a discrete component level. This knowledge gap hinders design innovation. Proxy-reports from other stakeholders are insufficient. This study aims to define these user needs through interactive interviews with children in Cambodia. Children were recruited across three centres in Cambodia. A novel interactive interview guide including card games provided quantitative and qualitative data. A functional movement assessment provided insight on mobility. Qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Quantitative data was analysed with descriptive statistics. Eight children were recruited (87.5% male) with a mean age of 14.1 years (SD = 2.80, range: 9.3–17.4). 75% used polypropylene technology. Seven user need interview themes were identified: prosthesis appreciation; appearance; sport and running; daily activity challenges; articulating knee instability; pain/discomfort; and socket use. The mean functional movement score was 88.0% (SD = 6.7). Children ranked walking faster, kneeling, and being less tired as their top three priorities for change. Children were successfully engaged through an interactive interview. Design innovation is required for more stable prosthetic joints with a greater range of motion and appropriate appearance. Identified improvements will increase quality of life and access to cultural activities and sport. Children with above/through-knee limb absence in Cambodia have called for actionable changes in the design of their prosthetic limbs to support their frequent prosthetic use and active lifestyles.Children want to be able to walk faster, access more stable prosthetic knee joints, and face less pain and fatigue during daily life through increased socket comfort.Rehabilitation and prosthetic design must consider key cultural activities such as kneeling to pray, squatting, and sitting cross legged as well as sport.Appropriate appearance of a prosthetic limb is equally critical to acceptance in low-resource environments and includes cosmesis, sound, and clothing interactions. Children with above/through-knee limb absence in Cambodia have called for actionable changes in the design of their prosthetic limbs to support their frequent prosthetic use and active lifestyles. Children want to be able to walk faster, access more stable prosthetic knee joints, and face less pain and fatigue during daily life through increased socket comfort. Rehabilitation and prosthetic design must consider key cultural activities such as kneeling to pray, squatting, and sitting cross legged as well as sport. Appropriate appearance of a prosthetic limb is equally critical to acceptance in low-resource environments and includes cosmesis, sound, and clothing interactions.

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