Reliability of residual limb volume measurement in transtibial amputees using 4 different methods.

To determine the effect of a treatment in transtibial amputees often *readiness
for prosthetic fitting* is chosen as outcome variable. One of the criteria of
*readiness for prosthetic fitting* is reaching a stable volume of the stump. To
assess stability of a stump volume, an accurate and reliable assessment is
indispensable. Different methods to measure stumpvolume are used in practice.
Examination into the reliability of these methods is particularly done in
vitro, by using test cilinders. Less or no research at all has been done into
the reliability of these methods in vivo.

To determine the inter- and intrarater reliability of 4 different methods to
define stump volume in vivo, namely: water displacement method, Omega Tracer
(Ohio Willow Wood), Design TT (Otto Bock) and circumference measurement
(Sytzia-method).

A reliability study will be performed. The stump volume of 60 participants will
be measured in two occasions. Each occasion consists of 2 sessions, in each
session 2 observers will do the four measuring methods. The measurements will
be done by two researchers, in which each researcher carries out two
measurements sessions. The sequence of the observers as well as the
measurements within the sessions will be randomized.

The participants will come twice to the study location. Travelling expenses
will be compensated. The expected time the measurements will take is
approximately one and a half hours per occasion. The measurements won*t bring
any risk to the participants.