Walking characteristics of runners with a transfemoral or knee-disarticulation prosthesis. (December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kobayashi, Toshiki; Hisano, Genki; Namiki, Yuta; Hashizume, Satoru; Hobara, Hiroaki
• Is Part Of: Clinical biomechanics. Volume 80(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-12
• Subjects: Athlete -- Amputee locomotion -- Gait -- Paralympic; Biomechanics -- Periodicals; Osteopathic medicine -- Periodicals; Biomechanics -- Periodicals; Osteopathic Medicine -- Periodicals; 612.76
• DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2020.105132
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0268-0033

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Running with prostheses has become a common activity for amputees participating in sports and recreation. However, very few studies have characterized the kinematic and kinetic parameters of walking in individuals with amputation who are runners. Thus, this study attempts to elucidate the kinematics and kinetics of walking in runners with a unilateral transfemoral amputation or knee-disarticulation. Methods: This study experimentally compares the prosthetic and intact limbs of runners with prostheses as well as compares the findings against the limbs of age-matched able-bodied individuals while walking. Fourteen runners with a unilateral transfemoral amputation or knee-disarticulation were recruited and 14 age-matched able-bodied individuals were prepared using gait database. Spatiotemporal, kinematic, and kinetic parameters of walking were analyzed using a 3-demensional motion capture system. Results: The results showed that the peak ankle positive power at pre-swing and peak hip positive power from loading response to mid stance in the intact limb were significantly larger than that in the prosthetic limb. Moreover, to compensate for missing anatomical functions on the prosthetic limb, it appeared that the intact limb of the runners generated larger peak joint power by producing more ankle plantarflexor and hip extensor moments while walking. Interpretation: This study demonstrated that the runners rely on their intact limb while walking. Training of hip extensor muscles of the intact limb may be beneficial for these individuals. Highlights: Walking characteristics of runners with a transfemoral amputation was analyzed. The intact limb generated more plantarflexor and hip extensor moment. The intact limb generated more positive ankle and hip joint power. Runners with a transfemoral amputation rely on the intact limb while walking.