Beyond the 10-m time: a pilot study of timed walks in lower limb amputees

To investigate in a pilot study the use of extended walking times as an objective method of distinguishing differences in outcome in lower limb amputees.

Sixteen lower limb amputees attending the prosthetic clinic.

Patients were asked to walk 100 m, turning every 20 m, using their usual walking aids and prostheses at their chosen walking speed. Demographic details and modified Stanmore/Harold Wood mobility grades, walking aids used and discomfort were recorded. Time to walk each 20 m up to 100 m was recorded. Statistical analysis was carried out using the Spearman rank order correlation coefficient.

There was a wide age range and differing causes of amputation. Five out of 16 subjects failed to complete 100 m and these had the slowest 20- and 40-m times. The mean time to walk 40 m was 41 seconds for those who were able to complete 100 m and 144 seconds for those who could not complete 100 m. All those with modified Stanmore/Harold Wood mobility grades less than four failed to complete 100 m. There was a high correlation between 20-, 40-, 60-, 80- and 100-m times and mobility grades, which was statistically significant, and between 20-, 40-, 60-, 80- and 100-m times.

Forty-metre walking time can differentiate between those of mobility grades 4b-6 and those with lower mobility grades who are unable to walk significantly outside.