Loading rates in unilateral transfemoral amputees with running-specific prostheses across a range of speeds. (May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hobara, Hiroaki; Sakata, Hiroyuki; Amma, Ryo; Hisano, Genki; Hashizume, Satoru; Baum, Brian S.; Usui, Fumio
• Is Part Of: Clinical biomechanics. Volume 75(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-05
• Subjects: Running-specific prosthesis -- Transfemoral amputation -- Running-related injury -- Amputee locomotion; Biomechanics -- Periodicals; Osteopathic medicine -- Periodicals; Biomechanics -- Periodicals; Osteopathic Medicine -- Periodicals; 612.76
• DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2020.104999
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0268-0033

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Understanding the potential risks of running-related injuries in unilateral transfemoral amputees contributes to the development and implementation of the injury prevention programme in running gait rehabilitation. We investigated the vertical ground reaction force loading in unilateral transfemoral amputees who used running-specific prostheses across a range of running speeds. Methods: Ten unilateral transfemoral amputees and ten non-amputees performed running trials on an instrumented treadmill at the incremental speeds of 30, 40, 50, and 60% of their maximum acquired speeds. Per-step and cumulative vertical instantaneous loading rates were calculated from the vertical ground reaction force in the affected, unaffected, and non-amputated control limbs. Findings: Both the per-step and cumulative vertical instantaneous loading rates of the unaffected limbs in runners with unilateral transfemoral amputation were significantly greater than the affected and non-amputated control limbs at all speeds. Interpretation: The results of the present study suggest that runners with unilateral transfemoral amputation may be exposed to a greater risk of running-related injuries in their unaffected limbs compared to the affected and non-amputated control limbs. Highlights: Running-related injury risks in unilateral transfemoral amputees were investigated. Per-step and cumulative vertical instantaneous loading rates were analyzed. Loading rate of unaffected limb was greater than affected and control limbs. Unaffected limb may be exposed to a greater risk of running-related injuries.