Dynamic Balance Control (DBC) in lower leg amputee subjects; contribution of the regulatory activity of the prosthesis side

The influence of ankle-foot orthosis stiffness on walking performance in individuals with lower-limb impairments

“…This relationship suggests that decreases in AFO stiffness may have an influence on frontal plane balance control. This is consistent with a recent study that found a strong correlation between increased prosthesis stiffness and increased dynamic balance control (Nederhand et al, 2012). The influence of AFO stiffness on measures of dynamic balance warrants further investigation.…”

Can vibratory feedback be used to improve postural stability in persons with transtibial limb loss?

“…In this theory, the stability of the knee relies less on the internal torque provided by the knee muscle extensors. A recent study suggests this may also apply to postural stability; a positive correlation was identified between increased stiffness of a prosthetic foot and increased dynamic balance control, defined as the ratio of ankle torque in response to sway between the intact and prosthetic limbs [23]. The second theory suggests that stability is facilitated by the prosthetic foot's ability to accommodate to uneven surfaces by maintaining contact with the floor for a longer period of time [24].…”

Concurrent validity of the Sensory Organization Test measures in unilateral transtibial amputees

“…4 In healthy people, the muscles around the ankle work to restore the postural stability for subtle perturbations (ankle strategy) and muscles around the hip and trunk muscles work during larger perturbations. 10 In persons with a lower limb amputation the muscles of the sound side ankle may work to restore postural stability, whereas on the prosthetic side muscles above the level of amputation 11 and/or the torque modulated by the stiffness of the prosthetic foot, 12 are required to negotiate the dynamic situations such as during platform perturbation. This structural and functional asymmetry owing to the prosthetic ankle and foot raises the question of validity of the ES and SS that are derived from the comparison with healthy adults.…”