Long jumpers with and without a transtibial amputation have different three-dimensional centre of mass and joint take-off step kinematics. Issue 4 (17th April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Funken, Johannes; Willwacher, Steffen; Heinrich, Kai; Müller, Ralf; Hobara, Hiroaki; Grabowski, Alena M.; Potthast, Wolfgang
• Is Part Of: Royal Society open science. Volume 6:Issue 4(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-04-17
• Subjects: joint angle -- paralympics -- locomotion -- prosthetics -- performance analysis -- adaptation; Science -- Periodicals; 500
• DOI: 10.1098/rsos.190107
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2054-5703

Abstract

Abstract : Long jumpers with below the knee amputation (BKA) have achieved remarkable performances, yet the underlying biomechanics resulting in these jump distances are unknown. We measured three-dimensional motion and used multi-segment modelling to quantify and compare the centre of mass (COM) and joint kinematics of three long jumpers with BKA and seven non-amputee long jumpers during the take-off step of the long jump. Despite having the same jump distances, athletes with BKA, who used their affected leg for the take-off step, had lower sagittal plane hip and knee joint range of motion and positioned their affected leg more laterally relative to the COM compared to non-amputee athletes. Athletes with BKA had a longer compression phase and greater downward movement of their COM, suggesting that their affected leg (lever) was less rigid compared to the biological leg of non-amputees. Thus, athletes with BKA used a different kinematic mechanism to redirect horizontal to vertical velocity compared to non-amputee athletes. The specific movement patterns of athletes with BKA during the take-off step were constrained by the mechanical properties of the prosthesis. These results provide a basis for coaches and athletes to develop training protocols that improve performance and inform the design of future prostheses.