Effects of heel lifting on transtibial amputee gait before and after treadmill walking: a case study.
Prosthet Orthot Int
; 37(4): 317-23, 2013 Aug.
Article
de En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-23124990
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Prosthetic alignment is usually unchanged once optimized. However, a previous study indicated that long-distance walking significantly altered gait patterns, suggesting some alignment adjustments after walking are required. This study investigated the effects of alignment changes (by inserting a heel lift) on gait of a transtibial amputee before and after treadmill walking. CASE DESCRIPTION ANDMETHODS:
The subject walked, without heel lifts, on a treadmill until perception of fatigue. Gait changes upon heel lifting at the prosthetic side were studied before and after the treadmill walking FINDINGS ANDOUTCOMES:
For this subject before the treadmill walking, heel lifting induced drop-off with increased prosthetic-side knee flexion at mid-stance and pre-swing. The sound limb outreached to stabilize the gait. After the treadmill walking, the same heel lift did not induce drop-off. It reduced the plantar flexor power generation, potentially delaying its fatigue.CONCLUSION:
After walking prosthetic-side heel lifting could be beneficial. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Many lower-limb amputees have difficulties in long-distance walking due to muscle fatigue. This case study proposes that appropriate alignment changes after some walking potentially relieve fatigue and encourage them to walk longer distances.Mots clés
Texte intégral:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Base de données:
MEDLINE
Sujet principal:
Membres artificiels
/
Tibia
/
Talon
/
Essayage de prothèse
/
Épreuve d'effort
/
Démarche
/
Amputés
Limites:
Humans
/
Male
/
Middle aged
Langue:
En
Journal:
Prosthet Orthot Int
Année:
2013
Type de document:
Article
Pays d'affiliation:
Hong Kong