Physiological measurements of walking and running in people with transtibial amputations with 3 different prostheses

A 3-factor (foot type, speed, and mode of ambulation) repeated-measures experimental design was used. To compare the differences in energy expenditure, gait efficiency, and relative exercise intensity in persons with transtibial amputations with various prostheses. There is a need for improved prost...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy 1999-09, Vol.29 (9), p.526-533
Main Authors: Hsu, M J, Nielsen, D H, Yack, H J, Shurr, D G
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Amputation
Artificial Limbs
Female
Gait
Humans
Leg - surgery
Male
Prosthesis Design
Running - physiology
Walking - physiology
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Summary:A 3-factor (foot type, speed, and mode of ambulation) repeated-measures experimental design was used. To compare the differences in energy expenditure, gait efficiency, and relative exercise intensity in persons with transtibial amputations with various prostheses. There is a need for improved prosthetic designs to accommodate physically active persons with lower-extremity amputations. We used progressive speeds of treadmill walking (53.64, 67.05, 80.46, 93.87, and 107.28 m/min) and running (120.69, 134.1, and 147.51 m/min) with 3 different types of prostheses: the Solid Ankle Cushion Heel (SACH) foot, the Flex-Foot (FF), and the Re-Flex Vertical Shock Pylon (VSP) prosthesis. Five physically active men with unilateral transtibial amputations served as subjects (aged 31.6 +/- 4.28 years). The following statistically significant differences (improvements) between the Re-Flex VSP versus the FF and the SACH foot were found. Energy cost: walking (5%), running (11%); gait efficiency: walking (6%), running (9%); relative exercise intensity: walking (4%), running (5%). However, we found no significant differences between the FF and the SACH. The Re-Flex VSP appears to have a positive effect on energy cost, efficiency, and relative exercise intensity compared with the other prosthetic foot types during walking and running.
ISSN:0190-6011
1938-1344
DOI:10.2519/jospt.1999.29.9.526