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Lower-Limb Biomechanical Characteristics Associated with Unplanned Gait Termination Under Different Walking Speeds
Published on: August 25, 2020
Gait patterns in transtibial amputee fallers vs. non-fallers: biomechanical differences during level walking
Natalie Vanicek1, Siobhan Strike, Lars McNaughton
1Department of Sport, Health and Exercise Science, University of Hull, UK. N.Vanicek@hull.ac.uk
Gait & Posture
|December 17, 2008
Summary
Transtibial amputees who fall exhibit distinct gait patterns, including altered loading on the prosthetic limb. Rehabilitation should target knee strength in the prosthetic limb and eccentric strength in the intact limb to improve stability.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Rehabilitation Science
- Prosthetics
Background:
- Transtibial amputees face a higher risk of falls than able-bodied individuals.
- Understanding gait differences between fallers and non-fallers is crucial for fall prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare gait patterns (kinematics, kinetics, variability) in recent transtibial amputee fallers versus non-fallers during level walking.
- To identify biomechanical factors contributing to falls in this population.
Main Methods:
- Collected 3D kinematic and kinetic data from 11 transtibial amputees (6 fallers, 5 non-fallers) during level walking.
- Analyzed joint kinematics, kinetics, and temporal-spatial parameter variability.
Main Results:
- Fallers demonstrated significantly greater peak vertical ground reaction force (GRF) and load rate on the prosthetic limb.
- Differences were observed in knee joint moments and intact limb power bursts (A1, H2) between groups.
- Fallers exhibited greater variability in swing time duration on the intact limb.
Conclusions:
- Fallers show altered loading and compensatory strategies, particularly at the knee and on the intact limb.
- Falls prevention and prosthetic rehabilitation should focus on enhancing knee extensor strength (prosthetic limb) and eccentric strength (intact limb).
- Improving stability during weight transfer is key for reducing fall risk in transtibial amputees.
