Feasibility of repeated session error-augmentation gait training for people with nontraumatic transtibial amputation.

BACKGROUND: Spatiotemporal gait asymmetries are a persistent problem for people with non-traumatic lower-limb amputation. To date, there is limited knowledge of multi-session gait training interventions targeting step length symmetry after non-traumatic amputation. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of an eight-session, treadmill-based error-augmentation gait training (EAT) protocol to improve spatiotemporal gait asymmetry in people with non-traumatic transtibial amputation (TTA). STUDY DESIGN: Pre-post, single group. Methods: The EAT protocol involved eight training sessions (twice per week, four weeks) of supervised split-belt treadmill walking with asymmetrical belt speeds for five, three-minute sets each session. Step length symmetry during overground walking at a self-selected gait speed was assessed prior to, weekly, and one-week after the EAT protocol. Feasibility outcomes included protocol fidelity, safety, participant acceptability, and efficacy. RESULTS: Seven of the eight participants (87.5%) completed the intervention at the prescribed dose. One participant developed a skin blister on their residual limb, which was possibly related to the intervention. No falls, musculoskeletal injuries, or increases in pain occurred. Participants rated EAT as acceptable based on scores on the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory - Interest/Enjoyment subscale (6.6 ± 0.5; mean ± SD). Average between-limb step length Normalized Symmetry Index improved (was reduced) one-week following EAT (2.41 ± 6.6) compared to baseline (5.47 ± 4.91) indicating a moderate effect size (d=0.53). CONCLUSIONS: An eight session EAT program delivered over four weeks using a split-belt treadmill is feasible for people with unilateral non-traumatic TTA and may reduce step length asymmetry up to a week after intervention.

Falls After Dysvascular Transtibial Amputation: A Secondary Analysis of Falling Characteristics and Reduced Physical Performance.

INTRODUCTION: Over half of all people with lower limb amputation (LLA) experience at least one fall annually. Furthermore, the majority of LLAs result from dysvascular health complications, contributing to balance deficits. However, fall-related research specific to dysvascular LLA remains limited. OBJECTIVE: To characterize falls among adults with dysvascular LLA, using an existing Fall-Type Classification Framework and to describe the functional characteristics of participants across the framework categories. DESIGN: Secondary data analysis from two randomized controlled trials. SETTING: Outpatient setting. PARTICIPANTS: People (n = 69) 6 months to 5 years from dysvascular lower extremity amputation, who were ≥50 years of age and independently ambulatory using a prosthesis. INTERVENTION: None. OUTCOME: Descriptions of self-reported falls were collected on a weekly basis for 12 weeks, and analyzed using an existing Fall-Type Classification Framework. Fall frequencies, estimated count, and estimated proportions were compared across all framework categories, with 95% confidence intervals. Functional measures (Timed Up and Go, Two Minute Walk, Five Meter Walk, and average step count) were collected, and averages for each participant who experienced a fall were calculated. RESULTS: Thirty participants (43.5%) reported 42 falls within 12 weeks. A variety of fall types were described. Incidence of falls was highest for intrinsic destabilization sources, from incorrect weight shift patterns during transfer activities. CONCLUSION: Patients with dysvascular LLAs experience a variety of fall types. The high frequency of intrinsically sourced, incorrect weight-shift falls during transfer activities emphasizes the need to focus rehabilitation efforts on improving postural control in patients with dysvascular LLAs during activities such as reaching, turning, and transferring.

Prosthetic fitting after rotationplasty of the knee.

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to describe the authors' experience with the timeline for prosthetic fitting after rotationplasty of the knee and to determine factors that may be associated with earlier prosthetic fitting. DESIGN: The authors conducted a retrospective observational study of 12 patients who underwent rotationplasty of the knee and received prosthetic care at this institution. All patients had oncologic causes for surgery. RESULTS: The median age at amputation was 10 yrs. The overall survival rate was 92%. Five patients received a preliminary bypass prosthesis. All 12 patients were successfully fitted with a definitive prosthesis. Three patients were fitted within 90 days; two of these three patients did not require chemotherapy. The median time for definitive prosthetic fitting in the ten patients requiring chemotherapy was 230.5 days (range, 85-425 days). Nine patients had documentation supporting a return to sport/premorbid physical recreational activities. CONCLUSIONS: In the authors' experience, chemotherapy was associated with delayed definitive prosthetic fitting. Typically, the patients who required rotationplasty for cancer completed fitting with a definitive prosthesis in 6 mos. The findings of this study validate previous reports and confirm that most rotationplasty patients have excellent outcomes with return to premorbid physical activities.

Motor unit potential induced repetitive discharges (MIRDs): description of an unusual iterative discharge.

INTRODUCTION: Repetitive discharges may be recorded during nerve conduction studies (NCS) or during needle electromyography in a muscle at rest. Repetitive discharges that occur during voluntary activation and are time-locked to voluntary motor unit potentials (MUP) have not been described. METHODS: Retrospective review of motor unit potential induced repetitive discharges (MIRDs) identified in the EMG laboratory. Characteristics of each MIRD, patient demographics, other EMG findings in the same muscle, and electrophysiological diagnosis were analyzed. RESULTS: MIRDs were observed in 15 patients. The morphology and number of spikes and duration of MIRDs varied. The discharges fired at rates of 50-200 Hz. All but 2 patients had EMG findings of a chronic neurogenic disorder. CONCLUSIONS: MIRDs are rare iterative discharges time-locked to a voluntary MUP. The pathophysiology of MIRDs is unclear, but their presence may indicate a chronic neurogenic process.