Equilibrium and movement control strategies in trans-tibial amputees

This study was aimed at identifying changes in equilibrium and movement control strategies in trans-tibial amputees (TTA) related to both the biomechanical changes and the loss of afferent inflow. The coordinations between equilibrium and movement were studied in traumatical TTA and in controls during transition from bipedal to monopodal stance. TTA failed to perform the task in a high percentage of trials both when the sound and the prosthetic limb were supporting. Significant differences were also found between TTA and controls in the duration of the weight transfer phase, in the length of the initial centre of pressure (CP) displacement and in the electromyographic (EMG) patterns. Despite adaptive posturomotor control strategies, transition from bipedal to monopodal stance remains a difficult task to perform for TTA, both when the supporting limb is the affected one and when the sound one is. The results of this study are discussed with respect to the rehabilitation programme and the prosthesis design for transtibial amputees.