The initiation of gait in lower limb amputees: Some related data

Abstract

Abstract-The initiation of gait, from balanced standing position to the toe-off of the stance leg, was analyzed in 8 unilateral above-knee (AK) and 10 unilateral below-knee (BK) males amputees. Thirty-one parameters were measured, including ground-foot forces and the movements and timing of hip, knee, and ankle joints. The significant changes from the normal pattern of initiation of gait found in the AK and BK amputees, as well as significant changes between the two amputees groups themselves, are described. The amputees were divided into two subgroups: those who start walking with their prosthesis and those starting with their normal leg. The two groups were compared statistically for each amputation level and all were compared to a normal subjects group. Differences relating to the choice of the swing leg were found. The findings are reported as part of a future databank.

Gait initiation in lower limb amputees

“…In amputees vertical GRF peak in the trailing non-affected limb was higher than in the trailing prosthetic limb, which was similar to other studies [1,15]. From the mediolateral GRF and COP data we can conclude that limb-loading in favour of the non-affected limb was already present in double-limb stance.…”

“…Peak anterior GRF was predominantly decreased in the trailing prosthetic limb, which corresponded with the absent COP shift in the leading non-affected limb condition. In previous studies a smaller anterior GRF in the prosthetic limb was also seen, most obviously when used as leading limb [1,8,14,15]. As hypothesized, gait initiation velocity was decreased in amputees due to the lower anterior GRF.…”

“…Previous studies in amputees have shown inconclusive results concerning COP trajectory, which is an www.elsevier.com/locate/gaitpost Gait & Posture 27 (2008) [423][424][425][426][427][428][429][430] important outcome measure in gait initiation [1,8,14]. In only two studies transfemoral amputees were tested next to transtibial amputees [8,15], and one study included an ablebodied control group [14]. Moreover, in all studies gait was initiated in response to a starting signal [1,8,14,15].…”

“…In only two studies transfemoral amputees were tested next to transtibial amputees [8,15], and one study included an ablebodied control group [14]. Moreover, in all studies gait was initiated in response to a starting signal [1,8,14,15].…”

Gait termination in lower limb amputees

“…In everyday life, gait termination is a common movement which is often performed in daily activities [1]. Compared to normal walking, gait termination places a bigger demand on the control of postural stability and requires a complex integration and cooperation in the neuromuscular system [2][3][4].…”