Gait characteristics of unilateral transtibial amputees: A narrative review

Independent ambulation is a critical motor skill for transtibial amputee (TTA), and gait analysis plays an essential role in both basic and clinical research. This review provides a narrative summary of the literature on TTA gait, based on specific inclusion criteria, including studies published in English, focused on adult participants, conducted with no external interference during the experimental process, asymptomatic amputees, and nonpathological gait studies. We identified biomechanical studies of TTA gait and reported significant gait characteristics and adaptive strategies among amputees. Gait biomechanics vary according to factors such as walking speed, prosthetic alignment, and experience with the residual limb. Furthermore, gait patterns are influenced by the adaptation and maturation of the neuromuscular and skeletal systems in response to prosthetic use. This review offers valuable theoretical insights into TTA gait for clinicians and researchers. Future research could benefit from systematically recruiting subjects with more stringent criteria, employing larger sample sizes, and conducting longitudinal studies. In addition, empirical analysis of prosthetic designs before clinical application and the effects of various rehabilitation interventions on gait development should be considered to enhance mobility and gait efficiency in this population.