Double-limb support and step-length asymmetry in below-knee amputees.
The sequence of gait events and symmetry of kinematic parameters between both lower limbs are compromised in below-knee amputees. In the present study the periods of double-limb support and the step length in below-knee amputees were investigated. The symmetry of the two periods of double-limb support occurring in each stride was obviously abnormal (ratio: 0.74) among temporal and distance parameters. The time of double-limb support (0.211 +/- 0.05 seconds) measured from heel-strike of the amputated leg until toe-off of the normal leg was significantly longer (p = 0.011) when compared with the contralateral leg (0.173 +/- 0.04 seconds). The step length of the normal leg (0.709 +/- 0.07 m) was significantly (p = 0.045) shorter than that of the amputated leg (0.752 +/- 0.08 m). Most of these differences between measured kinematic parameters can be explained by the limited ability of the prosthesis ankle-foot component to reproduce the normal functions of both foot and ankle.
Isakov
E
E
Orthopaedic Rehabilitation Department, Loewenstein Rehabilitation Hospital, Tel-Aviv University School of Medicine, Ra'anana, Israel.
Burger
H
H
Krajnik
J
J
Gregoric
M
M
Marincek
C
C
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000674:Amputees; D000842:Ankle; D001186:Artificial Limbs; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016474:Weight-Bearing