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Published on: January 17, 2013
Trailing limb angle as a clinically feasible measure of propulsion: A state-of-the-art review
Sally A Kenworthy1, Stacey L Gorniak1
1University of Houston, 3875 Holman St., Rm 104 Garrison, Houston, TX 77204-6015, USA.
Background:
Trailing limb angle (TLA) has emerged as A potentially clinically feasible measure of propulsion during gait rehabilitation.
Research Question:
The aim of this state-of-the-art review was to: (1) determine how propulsion is typically defined in studies using TLA, (2) map the varying definitions of TLA in the literature, and (3) identify what timing indicators are provided in TLA definitions.
Methods:
A six-stage approach to the state-of-the-art review is conducted to finalize the research questions, determine the timeline of the review, develop the search strategy, and analyze the results. The literature search was performed using PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Medline, and Web of Science databases.
Results:
Seven articles published between 2006 and 2011 were identified as studies key to the development of TLA as a key contributor to propulsion function. Thirty-two articles published between 2011 and 2024 were included in the primary analysis.
Significance:
Studies conducted prior to the emergence of TLA in the literature utilized the impulse of the anterior ground reaction force (AGRF) to quantify a propulsion during walking. However, recent studies investigating TLA more frequently use the peak GRF to characterize propulsion. Both propulsion and TLA definitions have evolved in small yet critical ways that may limit TLA use in clinical settings. There is a need to report clinically accessible timing indicators of TLA measurement to ensure reliable and accurate use of this measurement both within and beyond the research setting.
