Postural sway and active balance performance in highly active lower-limb amputees.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the balance performance of active lower-limb amputees during quiet standing and under dynamic conditions.


METHODS
Center-of-pressure excursions during quiet standing and the standing balance performance on a single axis stabilimeter was assessed in six unilateral lower-limb amputees and six able-bodied controls. Stabilimeter trials were repeated with subjects standing so that pivoting occurred either in the anteroposterior or mediolateral direction or in the mediolateral direction but with vision occluded.


RESULTS
Center-of-pressure excursions were significantly greater (P < 0.05) for amputees in both the mediolateral and anteroposterior directions. During all stabilimeter tests, amputees spent significantly less time in balance than able-bodied controls (P < 0.05), and this was attributed to a nonsignificant increase in the average time the stabilimeter spent in contact with the ground. Group differences in the average time of contact in the anteroposterior test condition were meaningful (effect size, 1.19).


CONCLUSIONS
Amputees had poorer static and dynamic balance than able-bodied controls. Amputees had a greater problem controlling dynamic balance in the anteroposterior direction than the mediolateral direction. Findings highlight the importance of the ankle in maintaining balance in situations that involve body movements in the sagittal plane.
Buckley
John G
JG
Department of Exercise and Sport Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Hassall Road, Alsager, Stoke-on-Trent ST7 2HL, Manchester, UK.
O'Driscoll
Dan
D
Bennett
Simon J
SJ
D000328:Adult; D000674:Amputees; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg; D008297:Male; D017711:Nonlinear Dynamics; D004856:Postural Balance; D011187:Posture