Walking and running inter-limb asymmetry for paralympic trans-femoral amputees, a biomechanical analysis

Abstract

The aim of this project was to further the research and understanding of the trans-femoral amputee's ability to walk and run by comparing the changes in walking and running inter-limb asymmetry. An objective biomechanical analysis was conducted on four male trans-femoral amputees, all members of the Australian Paralympic training squad for the 1996 Atlanta Paralympic Games. The data was collected in the biomechanics laboratories at Queensland University of Technology and the Australian Institute of Sport. The main outcomes measure a synchronised 3D kinematic (200Hz), kinetic (600Hz) and temporal analysis of walking at self-selected (l.l-1.3m/s), and at maximal running speed (2.5-4.3m/s). The walking and running biomechanical data was summarised into 27 indices of symmetry. The results showed that for all subjects the inter-limb asymmetry was significantly different at running speed, when compared to the walking speed. Using indices of symmetry 79% of the kinematic, 67% of the kinetic, and 67% of the temporal measurements identified better inter-limb asymmetry when the subjects walked, compared to running. This study objectively identified that when Paralympic level amputees ran on their standard running prosthesis, the inter-limb asymmetry was exacerbated.