The Effect of Silicone Suspension on Standing Balance for Transfemoral Amputees

Inclusion Criteria:

• be forty-five (45) or older;
• unilateral transfemoral amputee;
• current patients of the QEII Health Sciences Centre Amputee Service based at the Rehab Site;
• can walk comfortably with their prosthesis for a minimum of 5 minutes, regardless of whether they require ambulation aids (i.e. canes, walkers, etc.);
• are in the process of being fitted with a silicon suction liner and pin system;
• are competent to give informed consent or have a proxy with power of attorney;
• have the written permission of the attending physician to participate;
• be willing to take part in the study, including signing the consent after carefully reading it.

Exclusion Criteria:

• have an unstable medical condition (e.g. angina, seizures), as determined by the attending or house physician;
• have major medical or neurological conditions that affect balance (specifically Parkinson's disease, stroke or Multiple Sclerosis), as determined by the physician or house staff physician;
• have an emotional or psychiatric problem of a type or extent that might make participation unpleasant, as determined by the attending or house physician.