Knee and hip internal moments and upper-body kinematics in the frontal plane in unilateral transtibial amputees

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to quantify the motor adaptations in the frontal plane made by unilateral transtibial amputees (UTAs), with special regard to: (1) abduction/adduction moment at the hip and knee valgus moment in the frontal plane; (2) pelvic and thorax obliquity; and (3) stride length and gait speed.Methods15 Males with unilateral transtibial amputation comprised the subject group and 15 non-disabled individuals served as control group. Gait analysis was performed using the VICON MOTION SYSTEM® (Oxford Metrics, Oxford, UK).ResultsIn this study, UTAs walked with a reduced hip abductor moment during the stance phase. At the knee joint, the valgus moment was reduced in the prosthetic limb compared to the sound and the control limb. The thorax range of motion in the frontal plane was increased on the prosthetic side, compared with the non amputee subjects.ConclusionOur findings suggest that unilateral transtibial amputation patients walk with different motor control strategies in the frontal plane compared with the non-disabled subjects. These results suggest the need for specific training for this group of UTAs, focusing on exercises to stabilize and strengthen the proximal muscles as well as practicing balance and coordination in the coronal plane.

► We quantify the motor adaptations in the frontal plane made by unilateral transtibial amputees. ► We perform a gait analysis using the Vicon Motion System®. ► Unilateral transtibial amputation patients walk with different motor control strategies in the frontal plane.