Article

Trans-tibial amputees are advised to walk as much as able people to achieve
healthy and independent life. However, they usually have difficulties in doing
so. Previous researches only included data from a few steps when studying the
gait of amputees. Walking over a long distance was rarely examined. The objective
of this study was to investigate the changes in spatial-temporal, kinetic and
kinematic gait parameters of trans-tibial amputees after long-distance walking.
Six male unilateral trans-tibial amputees performed two sessions of 30-min
walking on a level treadmill at their self-selected comfortable speed. Gait
analysis was undertaken over-ground: (1) before walking, (2) after the 1st
walking session and (3) after the 2nd walking session. After the long-distance
walking, changes in spatial-temporal gait parameters were small and
insignificant. However, the sound side ankle rocker progression and push-off were
significantly reduced. This was due to the fatigue of the sound side plantar
flexors and was compensated by the greater effort in the prosthetic side. The
prosthetic side knee joint showed significantly increased flexion and moment
during loading response to facilitate the anterior rotation of the prosthetic
shank. The prosthetic side hip extensors also provided more power at terminal
stance to facilitate propulsion. Endurance training of the sound side plantar
flexors, and improvements in the prosthetic design to assist anterior rotation of
the prosthetic shank should improve long-distance walking in trans-tibial
amputees.
CI - Copyright (c) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS