Changes to transtibial amputee gait with a weighted backpack on multiple surfaces

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Prosthetics and Orthotics
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Advanced prosthetics allow amputees to engage in diverse occupations and activities.
• Carrying backpack loads is crucial for many jobs but poorly understood in amputee gait.
• Addressing this knowledge gap can enhance quality of life through improved rehabilitation and prosthesis design.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of a 24.5 kg backpack on the gait of K4-level unilateral transtibial amputees.
• To compare temporal-spatial parameters and kinematic data with and without a backpack load.
• To identify gait adaptations and challenges faced by amputees during load carriage.

Main Methods:

• Ten male, K4-level, unilateral transtibial amputees participated.
• Participants completed walking trials on simulated uneven ground, ramp ascent, and descent.
• Data collected included temporal-spatial parameters and kinematic peak values for ankle, knee, hip, pelvis, and trunk, with and without a 24.5 kg backpack.

Main Results:

• Gait differences with a backpack were consistent with able-bodied individuals.
• Pelvis and trunk angular velocities decreased when carrying the backpack.
• Increased hip flexion during weight acceptance was observed in both limbs while wearing the backpack.

Conclusions:

• K4-level transtibial amputees can effectively carry a 24.5 kg backpack.
• Future research should incorporate inclines and descents to better understand load carriage challenges.
• Rehabilitation should focus on hip/knee flexor strength and minimizing reliance on the intact limb.