Article

This study examined the adaptation of postural responses in transtibial amputees
during both perturbed and volitional dynamic balance tasks during a five-month
period following discharge from inpatient rehabilitation. Seven unilateral
transtibial amputees performed the sensory organisation test (SOT) and the limits
of stability (LOS) test protocols on the NeuroCom Equitest((R)) at one, three and
six months post-discharge from in-patient rehabilitation. Overall balance ability
improved significantly (p=0.01) following discharge as did utilisation of
somatosensory input (p=0.01), with hip strategy use decreasing. Reaction time and
movement velocity did not change significantly in the majority of target
directions for the LOS test. However, endpoint COG excursion and directional
control were significantly increased in a number of directions (p</=0.05).
Although balance ability improved following discharge from rehabilitation,
participants were heavily reliant upon vision in order to maintain balance.
Following discharge from rehabilitation, amputees were seemingly able to increase
the spatial and accuracy aspects of volitional exploration of their LOS. However,
temporal aspects did not display any adaptation, suggesting a trade-off between
these aspects of postural control. Further practice of performing volitional
postural movements under increasing time pressure, for example using low-cost
gaming tools, may improve balance ability and postural control.
CI - Copyright (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS