Timing Changes for Stance, Swing, and Double Support in a Recent Below-Knee-Amputee Child

Area of Science:

• Biomechanical analysis
• Pediatric gait studies
• Prosthetic limb function

Background:

• Understanding gait deviations in children with below-the-knee amputation (BKA) is crucial for effective rehabilitation.
• Gait patterns in novice BKA children may differ significantly from those of experienced BKA children and typically developing children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare gait parameters (stance, swing, double support times) of a novice BKA child with normal children and experienced BKA children.
• To evaluate the adaptation of gait patterns in a recent BKA child over a 94-day period.
• To inform rehabilitation strategies for pediatric lower-limb amputees.

Main Methods:

• Kinematic data collection was performed on three groups: 11 normal children, 2 experienced BKA children, and 1 novice BKA child.
• Gait parameters including stance, swing, and double support times were analyzed.
• Longitudinal assessment of the novice BKA child's gait over 94 days.

Main Results:

• Significant differences were observed between prosthetic and nonprosthetic limbs, as well as between normal and BKA children's gait.
• Initially, the novice BKA child's gait differed from experienced BKA children.
• After 94 days, the novice BKA child's gait became statistically similar to that of experienced BKA children.

Conclusions:

• Asymmetrical gait patterns may be appropriate for BKA children due to differences in prosthetic limb structure and function.
• Rehabilitation for recent BKA children should prioritize developing a gait pattern similar to experienced BKA users, not necessarily normal gait.
• The study highlights the adaptability of gait in pediatric lower-limb amputees with appropriate rehabilitation focus.