Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 7, 2026
Walk with Me Hybrid Virtual/In-Person Walking for Older Adults with Neurodegenerative Disease
Published on: June 16, 2023
Gait differences between K3 and K4 persons with transfemoral amputation across level and non-level walking conditions
James A Sturk1, Edward D Lemaire1,2, Emily Sinitski1
11 Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
Background::
A transfemoral amputee's functional level can be classified from K-level 0 (lowest) to K-level 4 (highest). Knowledge of the biomechanical differences between K3 and K4 transfemoral amputation could help inform clinical professionals and researchers in amputee care and gait assessment.
Objectives::
Explore gait differences between K3- and K4-level transfemoral amputation across different surface conditions.
Study Design::
Cross-sectional study.
Methods::
Four K3 and six K4 transfemoral amputation and 10 matched able-bodied individuals walked in a virtual environment with simulated level and non-level surfaces on a self-paced treadmill. Stability measures included medial-lateral margin of stability, step parameters, and gait variability (standard deviations for speed, temporal-spatial parameters, root-mean-square of medial-lateral trunk acceleration).
Results::
K3 walked slower than K4 with wider steps, greater root-mean-square of medial-lateral trunk acceleration, and greater medial-lateral margin of stability standard deviations, indicating their stability was further challenged. K3 participants had greater asymmetry in double support time and trunk acceleration root-mean-square in the medial-lateral direction, but similar asymmetry overall. K3 participants had larger differences from AB and in more parameters than K4, although K4 differed from AB in trunk acceleration root-mean-square in the medial-lateral direction, walking speed, and double support time standard deviations.
Conclusion::
The findings improve our understanding of K3 and K4 transfemoral amputation gait on slopes and simulated uneven surfaces.
Clinical Relevance:
High performing and community ambulatory transfemoral amputees cannot match the ambulatory abilities of ablebodied individuals. Understanding gait differences between these groups under conditions that challenge balance is required to develop rehabilitation protocols and prosthetic componentry targeted at improving transfemoral amputee gait and overall mobility in their chosen environment.
More Related Videos
05:52Lower-Limb Biomechanical Characteristics Associated with Unplanned Gait Termination Under Different Walking Speeds
Published on: August 25, 2020
05:33Measuring Biophysical and Psychological Stress Levels Following Visitation to Three Locations with Differing Levels of Nature
Published on: June 19, 2019
Related Concept Videos
01:29Leveling Effect
01:19High-Level and Low-Level Awareness
01:09Levels of Organization
Molecules Are Composed of Atoms, and Biomolecules Are Assembled from Molecules:
The most basic levels include atoms, molecules, and biomolecules. Atoms, the smallest unit of ordinary matter, are composed of a nucleus and electrons. Molecules...
01:18Fermi Level
At absolute zero temperature, electrons fill all energy states up to the Fermi level, leaving upper states empty. As the temperature rises,...
00:54Ratio Level of Measurement
A set of data measured using the ratio scale takes care of the ratio problem and provides complete information. Ratio scale data are like interval scale data, except they have a zero point and ratios can be calculated....
01:26Introduction and Methods of Leveling