Article

Ambulation on stairs presents a significant challenge for lower extremity
amputees and increases the risk of falling and sustaining a serious injury. This study aimed to compare foot placement and foot clearance during stair ambulation
in a group of transtibial amputees and a group of able-bodied subjects.
Three-dimensional motion analysis was used to determine foot positioning and to
calculate temporospatial parameters during stair ascent and descent of 10
transtibial amputees (mean age = 56) and a control group consisting of 10 healthy
able-bodied individuals (mean age = 26.7). No significant difference was observed
in foot positioning and foot clearance between the amputee and control groups.
Temporospatial data revealed a number of significant differences between the
groups, particularly during stair ascent. Amputees were observed to walk with a
slower velocity and cadence (p < 0.01), to increase the time spent in stance
phase and double support
(p < 0.01) and to increase their step width during both
stair ascent and descent (p < 0.01). Results suggest that foot placement and
clearance are not factors that would contribute to a stumble or fall on stairs in
established amputees but that balance related issues, such as relative motion of
the centre of mass, require further investigation.

Langue : ANGLAIS