Human gait analysis as viewed from A/K and B/K force plate/stick figures

Abstract

The motions involved in the ordinary act of walking which we all perform unthinkingly are in fact very complex and require great agility, and once impairment occurs, abnormal gait will result. The present study experimented with mechanical analysis of walking with a false leg, with a view to clinical application. Attention was focused on wave components common to the floor reaction patterns of A/K (-trans-femoral (Above Knee) amputation) and B/K (-trans-tibial (Below Knee) amputation) subjects, and waveform factors were analyzed. In this research, a VICON 3D motion analysis system was used to analyze the walking motions of A/K and B/K subjects by means of stick figure and force plate representations. Attention was focused on knee-joint movement in stick-figure analysis, and on Z-component waveforms in force plate analysis. Results showed significant differences between false leg and natural leg during mid stance in A/K subjects. Furthermore, the false leg Z-component waveforms were saw-tooth type with A/K subjects, and notch type with B/K subjects.