Driving Pedal Reaction Times After Right Transtibial Amputations
Abstract
Meikle B, Devlin M, Pauley T. Driving pedal reaction times after right transtibial amputations.
Objectives
To determine if right transtibial amputees have the potential to safely operate the foot pedals of a vehicle with their prosthetic foot, and to determine which of 4 driving techniques is associated with the fastest reaction times.
Design
Repeated measures.
Setting
Outpatient amputee clinic.
Participants
Ten subjects with right-sided, transtibial amputations.
Intervention
Brake pedal response times were measured using 4 different driving techniques: right-sided accelerator with (1) prosthesis operating both the accelerator and brake pedals, (2) prosthesis operating the accelerator and left foot operating the brake, (3) left foot operating both the accelerator and brake, and (4) left-sided accelerator with the left foot operating both the accelerator and brake.
Main Outcome Measures
Reaction time, movement time, total response time, and pedal configuration preference.
Results
Total response times were slowest using a 2-footed driving technique (P<.001). Total response times were comparable using a left-sided accelerator versus the prosthesis. Using the left foot to operate both the accelerator and brake in a conventional right-footed accelerator design led to the fastest reaction (P<.001) and total response times (P<.01), although it is unclear if this is a realistic driving technique for all amputees.
Conclusions
Our results suggest that right transtibial amputees should be instructed not to drive with a 2-footed technique, and that they have similar pedal response times using their prosthesis when compared with a left-sided accelerator.
aDivision of Physiatry, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
bClinical Evaluation and Research Unit, WestPark Healthcare Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
cDepartment of Medicine, Grey Bruce Health Services, Owen Sound, ON, Canada
Correspondence to Tim Pauley, MSc, WestPark Healthcare Centre, 82 Buttonwood Ave, Toronto, ON, M6M 2J5, Canada. Reprints are not available from the author.
Supported by a research grant provided by the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (Ontario).
No commercial party having a direct financial interest in the results of the research supporting this article has or will confer a benefit upon the author(s) or upon any organization with which the author(s) is/are associated.
ABSTRACT