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Gait patterns of elderly men with trans-tibial amputations
E D Lemaire1, F R Fisher, D G Robertson
1Rehabilitation Centre, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Prosthetics and Orthotics International
|April 1, 1993
Summary
Elderly men with trans-tibial amputations exhibit altered gait on their non-amputated leg, with faster walking speeds but shorter strides. These gait deviations are linked to compensatory joint moments due to the missing ankle on the prosthetic side.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Kinesiology
- Geriatric Medicine
Background:
- Trans-tibial amputation significantly impacts lower limb biomechanics.
- Understanding gait adaptations in elderly amputees is crucial for rehabilitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze kinematic and kinetic gait parameters of the non-amputated leg in elderly men with trans-tibial amputations.
- To identify compensatory mechanisms in gait due to unilateral limb loss.
Main Methods:
- Kinematic and kinetic gait analysis was performed on eight elderly men with trans-tibial amputations.
- Measurements included walking speed, stride length, net joint moments, and power analyses.
Main Results:
- Subjects walked faster than expected but slower than non-amputees, with reduced stride length.
- Ankle dorsiflexor and plantarflexor moments, as well as hip flexor moments, showed significant deviations from normative data.
- Discrepancies were largely attributed to the absence of an ankle on the amputated side.
Conclusions:
- Elderly individuals with trans-tibial amputations display unique gait patterns on their intact limb.
- Compensatory joint moments highlight the functional importance of the ankle in maintaining gait.
- Findings can inform targeted interventions for improving mobility in this population.