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Assessing gait variability in transtibial amputee fallers based on spatial-temporal gait parameters normalized for
Brenton G Hordacre1, Christopher Barr1, Benjamin L Patritti2
1Department of Rehabilitation, Aged and Extended Care, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
|December 8, 2014
Summary
Normalizing gait data for walking speed in individuals with transtibial amputations can better identify fall risk. This approach refines the assessment of gait variability linked to a history of falls.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Rehabilitation Science
- Prosthetics and Orthotics
Background:
- Gait variability is a key indicator of fall risk in individuals with transtibial amputations.
- Previous studies have not consistently determined if normalizing gait data for walking speed improves the identification of fall-related gait parameters.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether normalizing spatial-temporal gait data by walking speed affects gait variability parameters associated with fall history in people with transtibial amputations.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted with 45 participants with unilateral transtibial amputations.
- Participants completed 10 walking trials on an instrumented walkway to collect spatial-temporal gait data (speed, step length, step width, step time, swing time).
- A 12-month fall history was obtained, and participants were categorized as fallers or non-fallers.
Main Results:
- Sixteen participants (36%) reported a fall history.
- Normalizing gait data for walking speed significantly altered gait variability parameters compared to non-normalized data (P<.01).
- Non-normalized data showed greater variability in multiple parameters for fallers, while normalized data revealed significant differences in fewer parameters (amputated limb step-time, step-length, and step-width variability).
Conclusions:
- Normalizing spatial-temporal gait data for walking speed can enhance the identification of gait variability parameters associated with fall history in individuals with transtibial amputations.
- This normalization method may help tailor rehabilitation strategies for amputees with a history of falls.
