The effects of thigh corset with side bars suspension in a subject with transtibial amputation: A biomechanical investigation

Abstract

This study aims to investigate some biomechanical effects of a thigh corset with side bars (TC-SB) on the gait of a transtibial amputee. During two test conditions of with/without TC-SB, the angles of prosthetic lower limb joints, stride time, stance time and maximum vertical ground reaction force were evaluated. Only the angle of hip joint at initial contact and its maximum flexion at swing phase had significant changes (P < 0.05). This may suggest the amputee has used a compensatory mechanism to overcome the additional weight of the TC-SB suspension. It seems that the participated amputee has no need for this auxiliary suspension.