Mediation of the mediolateral ground reaction force profile to maintain straight running among unilateral transfemoral amputees

Abstract

The mediolateral ground reaction force (M-L GRF) profile that realizes a symmetrical mediolateral ground reaction impulse (M-L GRI) between both limbs is essential for maintaining a straight movement path. We aimed to examine the M-L GRF production across different running speeds in unilateral transfemoral amputees (TFA) to identify strategies for maintaining straight running. The average medial and lateral GRF, contact time (tc), M-L GRI, step width, and center of pressure angle (COPANG) were analyzed. Nine TFAs performed running trials at 100% speed on an instrumented treadmill. Trials were set at 30–80% speed with an increment of 10%. Seven steps from the unaffected and affected limbs were analyzed. Overall, the unaffected limbs exhibited a higher average medial GRF than the affected limbs. The M-L GRI were similar between both limbs at all speeds, implying that the participants were able to maintain a straight running path. The affected limb exhibited a longer tc and a lower M-L GRF profile than the unaffected limb. The results showed that unilateral TFAs adopted limb-specific strategies to maintain a straight running path, and that these limb-specific strategies were consistent across different running speeds.