Gait analysis in amputees

Abstract

There are marked differences from normal in both AK and BK gait. Forward velocity of walking is significantly lower in the amputee and is lower in the AK than the BK subjects. Traumatic AK amputees ambulate with time-distance parameters of velocity, cadence, stride length and gait cycle which are all two standard deviations below normal. The same parameters for the traumatic BK amputee are only one standard deviation below normal. The symmetry of walking seen in the normal subjects is not present in the lower amputee. Measurements of single limb support times and motion analysis of the lower extremities as well as of the head, arms and trunk bear this out. This asymmetry of motion increases the excursion of the center of mass during each cycle and thereby increases the energy cost of ambulation. Energy cost of amputee gait often places the dysvacular AK amputee at his limits and strains other amputees severely. Further research is necessary to enable amputees to approach the walking capabilities of normal people.