Analysis of torso movement of trans-femoral amputees during level walking

The purpose of this study is to analyze the movement of unilateral trans-femoral amputees' gait and find patterns of compensated movement to accommodate the loss of locomotor power on one side. A 3-D analyzer system and force plate were used to measure 12 amputees. The main focus was to find characterized movement particularly of the upper body such as pelvis, shoulder and arms. It was Saunders et al. (1953), who said that the human body can be purposely divided into two subsystems in analyzing man's locomotion. This study, however is not to measure the level of function, but to evaluate the appearance of gait. Twelve markers were placed on the subjects, and two locations for measuring points were used to measure movement of the torso in three axis (X, Y, Z) without measuring the position of the centre of gravity. The two points were at shoulder level, and at pelvic level. Lissajou's figure was used to evaluate the movements at these two marks. The quality of the gait was determined through subjective evaluation by the author. Determination was made on two factors, one from observing the gait of the amputees and the other, patterns from their Lissajou's figure of two measuring points. Then they were categorized as good walker or "other". Good walkers had results at shoulder level which were closer to the symmetrical Lissajou's figure of normal walkers. Yet the symmetrical pattern was not present at the pelvis level for the good walker.