Article

Little data have been reported on the factors that are important in
bilateral amputee walking ability especially the role of hip strength. STUDY DESIGN: Observational, case-control study where participants were evaluated at a
single point in time. The aim of this study was to investigate the
factors involved in bilateral amputee walking ability by assessment of walking
speed, perceived exertion, exercise intensity, physiological cost index (PCI) and
hip muscle strength. METHODS: For a group of 10 bilateral amputees, with
different levels of amputation, and a non-pathological reference group, walking
ability was assessed using the two-minute walk test. Hip muscle strength was
assessed using isokinetic strength tests. RESULTS: Bilateral amputees were found
to have slower walking speeds and increased PCI of walking which were correlated
to higher levels of amputation. Peak hip torques were reduced in the amputees,
which was only significant for concentric extension torque (p = 0.029), and
approaching significance for concentric flexion (p = 0.061) and abduction (p =
0.057). Bilateral amputee peak hip strength suggested a positive trend with
increasing walking ability. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral amputee walking ability was
reduced and mainly related to level of amputation. The role of hip strength in
bilateral amputee walking ability requires further investigation.

Langue : ANGLAIS