Physiological measurements of walking and running in people with transtibial amputations with 3 different prostheses.
METHODS
A 3-factor (foot type, speed, and mode of ambulation) repeated-measures experimental design was used.


OBJECTIVE
To compare the differences in energy expenditure, gait efficiency, and relative exercise intensity in persons with transtibial amputations with various prostheses.


BACKGROUND
There is a need for improved prosthetic designs to accommodate physically active persons with lower-extremity amputations.


METHODS
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).


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Hsu
M J
MJ
Physical Therapy Graduate Program, College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242-1008, USA.
Nielsen
D H
DH
Yack
H J
HJ
Shurr
D G
DG
D000328:Adult; D000671:Amputation, Surgical; D001186:Artificial Limbs; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology*; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*