RETURN TO RUNNING FOLLOWING A KNEE DISARTICULATION AMPUTATION: A CASE REPORT

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics and Sports Medicine
• Prosthetics and Rehabilitation Engineering

Background:

• Running prostheses enhance athletic capabilities for individuals with lower extremity amputations.
• Proper running mechanics are crucial for injury prevention and an active lifestyle, even with prosthetics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the successful modification of intact limb mechanics from Rearfoot Striking (RFS) to Non-Rearfoot Striking (NRFS) in a patient with a knee disarticulation.
• To document the reduction in Average Vertical Loading Rate (AVLR) and improvements in functional performance post-intervention.

Main Methods:

• A 30-year-old male with a knee disarticulation amputation underwent a 3-week running intervention.
• The intervention focused on changing the intact limb's RFS pattern to an NRFS pattern.
• Running mechanics were analyzed using 3D motion capture and force plates before and after the intervention.

Main Results:

• The patient achieved pain-free running over 10 km and improved a 2-mile run time from 19:54 to 15:14 minutes.
• The intact limb's Average Vertical Loading Rate (AVLR) decreased significantly from 112 body weights/s to 27 body weights/s.
• The loading rate of the intact limb became comparable to that of the prosthetic limb (24 body weights/s).

Conclusions:

• A targeted return-to-run program can effectively improve running mechanics, reduce injury risk factors, and enhance performance in amputee athletes.
• This case highlights the potential for specific training strategies to mitigate injury risks associated with running after limb loss.