User needs, prosthetic design priorities, and functional movement assessments for children with above/through-knee limb absence in Cambodia: a mixed methods interactive interview
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Purpose
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.
Materials and methods
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.
Results
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.
Conclusions
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.
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.
Materials and methods
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.
Results
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.
Conclusions
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.
Date Issued
2026-01-08
Date Acceptance
2025-12-23
Citation
Disability and Rehabilitation, 2026, pp.1-17
ISSN
0963-8288
Publisher
Taylor and Francis Group
Start Page
1
End Page
17
Journal / Book Title
Disability and Rehabilitation
Copyright Statement
© 2026 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. The terms on which this article has been published allow the posting of the Accepted Manuscript in a repository by the author(s) or with their consent.
License URL
Identifier
10.1080/09638288.2025.2610461
Subjects
Paediatric
prosthetic user needs
low resource environment
above/ through-knee limb absence
questionnaires
Publication Status
Published online
Date Publish Online
2026-01-08