The results of the present study suggest that amputee sprinters have a greater K (leg) during hopping than inactive non-amputees, and that their sprint ability can be predicted from the K (leg) during hopping at 2.2 Hz on the sound limb.
Abstract. [Purpose] To verify the effects of sagittal plane alignment changes in running-specific transtibial prostheses on ground reaction forces (GRFs). [Subjects and Methods] Eight transtibial amputees who used running-specific prostheses during sprinting participated. The sprint movements were recorded using a Vicon-MX system and GRF measuring devices. The experiment levels were set as regularly recommended alignment (REG; the normal alignment for the subjects) and dorsiflexion or plantar flexion from the REG.[Results] The subjects were classified into fast (100-m personal best < 12.50 s) and slow (100-m personal best ≥ 12.50 s) groups. In both groups, there were no significant differences in the center of gravity speed; further, the difference in the stance time was significant in the slow group but not in the fast group. Significant differences were observed in the step length for the fast group, whereas the stance time and step rate significantly differed in the slow group. The GRF impulse showed significant differences in the vertical and braking directions in both groups.[Conclusion] The GRFs are affected by sagittal plane alignment changes in running-specific prostheses. Moreover, our results suggest that the change in GRFs along with the altered sagittal plane alignment influenced the step length and step rate.
Background:Patterns and ease of stair ambulation influence amputees’ level of satisfaction with their rehabilitation, confidence level, and motivation for continued rehabilitation, demonstrating the importance of stair-ascent data for rehabilitation. However, little is known about the determinants of stair-ascent patterns in unilateral transfemoral amputees.Objectives:To investigate the factors affecting stair-ascent patterns in transfemoral amputees.Study Design:Cross-sectional survey.Methods:Stair-ascent patterns were evaluated using the Stair Assessment Index. We collected Stair Assessment Index data as well as demographic and clinical data (sex, age, height, mass, amputation side, reason for amputation, time since amputation, and residual limb length) from 25 transfemoral amputees.Results:Statistical analyses revealed that age was negatively correlated and time since amputation was positively correlated with Stair Assessment Index. In contrast, height, body mass, and residual limb lengths were not correlated with Stair Assessment Index.Conclusion:The results of this study suggest that in unilateral transfemoral amputee, (1) both age and time since amputation could affect stair-climbing patterns and (2) residual limb length should not be a limiting factor for stair climbing if the transfemoral amputee has a certain minimum residual limb length.Clinical relevanceRehabilitation teams should carefully consider nonmodifiable predisposing factors such as age and time since amputation. However, they may be able to carry on stair-ascent rehabilitation for transfemoral amputees disregarding residual limb length (depending on the length).
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