Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 17, 2026
Using Gold-standard Gait Analysis Methods to Assess Experience Effects on Lower-limb Mechanics During Moderate High-heeled Jogging and Running
Published on: September 14, 2017
Effects of heel lifting on transtibial amputee gait before and after treadmill walking: a case study
L F Yeung1, Aaron K L Leung, Ming Zhang
1Interdisciplinary Division of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong.
Background:
Prosthetic alignment is usually unchanged once optimized. However, a previous study indicated that long-distance walking significantly altered gait patterns, suggesting some alignment adjustments after walking are required. This study investigated the effects of alignment changes (by inserting a heel lift) on gait of a transtibial amputee before and after treadmill walking.
Case Description And Methods:
The subject walked, without heel lifts, on a treadmill until perception of fatigue. Gait changes upon heel lifting at the prosthetic side were studied before and after the treadmill walking
Findings And Outcomes:
For this subject before the treadmill walking, heel lifting induced drop-off with increased prosthetic-side knee flexion at mid-stance and pre-swing. The sound limb outreached to stabilize the gait. After the treadmill walking, the same heel lift did not induce drop-off. It reduced the plantar flexor power generation, potentially delaying its fatigue.
Conclusion:
After walking prosthetic-side heel lifting could be beneficial.
Clinical Relevance:
Many lower-limb amputees have difficulties in long-distance walking due to muscle fatigue. This case study proposes that appropriate alignment changes after some walking potentially relieve fatigue and encourage them to walk longer distances.
