Sprinting with an amputation: Some race-based lower-limb step observations.
BACKGROUND
T44 sprinting with an amputation is still in a state of relative infancy. Future scope for athletic training and prosthetic limb development may be assisted with a better understanding of information derived from T44 athletes when under race-based conditions.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the behaviour of step count and step frequency when under competitive conditions.


METHODS
The study comprises two elements: (1) a video-based analysis of race-based limb-to-limb symmetry and (2) a video-based analysis of race-based step count.


METHODS
Video analysis of several major events from 1996-2012 are assessed for step count and step limb-to-limb symmetry characteristics.


RESULTS
The video analysis highlights limb-to-limb imbalances greater than those indicated in the previous literature. A low step count is determined to be desirable for success in the 100-m event.


CONCLUSIONS
Future analysis of athletes with a lower-limb amputation would be worthwhile when placed under race-based conditions as the limb-to-limb behaviour is more exaggerated than those seen in typical studies held within a laboratory setting. The within-event behaviour of step counts requires further investigation to establish where these take place or whether it is a cumulative step length issue.


CONCLUSIONS
This article increases the understanding of the race-based behaviour of amputee athletes and provides more information to contribute to any discussions on the performance of lower-limb prostheses.
Faculty of Science & Technology, Bournemouth University, Poole, UK brdyer@bournemouth.ac.uk.
Bryce
B
Dyer
Faculty of Science & Technology, Bournemouth University, Poole, UK.
Siamak
S
Noroozi
Faculty of Science & Technology, Bournemouth University, Poole, UK.
Philip
P
Sewell
D000674:Amputees; D001186:Artificial Limbs; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology*; D014741:Video Recording
Sport with a disability; amputee; sprinting