Article

Gait temporal-spatial variability and step regularity as measured by trunk
accelerometry, measures relevant to fall risk and mobility, have not been well
studied in individuals with lower-limb amputations.
The study objective was to
explore the differences in gait variability and regularity between individuals
with unilateral transtibial amputations due to vascular (VAS) or nonvascular
(NVAS) reasons and fall history over the past year. Of the 34 individuals with
trans-tibial amputations who participated, 72% of the 18 individuals with VAS and
50% of the 16 individuals with NVAS had experienced at least one fall in the past
year. The incidence of falls was not significantly different between groups.
Variability measures included the coefficient of variation (CV) in swing time and
step length obtained from an electronic walkway. Regularity measures included
anteroposterior, medial-lateral and vertical step regularity obtained from trunk
accelerations. When controlling for velocity, balance confidence and time since
amputation, there were no significant differences in gait variability or
regularity measures between individuals with VAS and NVAS. In comparing fallers
to nonfallers, no significant differences were found in gait variability or
regularity measures when controlling for velocity and balance confidence.
Vertical step regularity (p=0.026) was found to be the only significant parameter
related to fall history, while it only had poor to fair discriminatory ability
related to fall history. There is some indication that individuals who have
experienced a fall may walk with decreased regularity and this should be explored
in future studies.
CI - Crown Copyright (c) 2012. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS