Lower limb preference on goal-oriented tasks in unilateral prosthesis users

The aim of this study was to determine lower limb preference in 31 prosthesis users and 19 able-bodied controls on 11 goal-oriented tasks in free-standing and supported conditions. The action leg used in 6 or more tasks was considered the preferred leg. We hypothesized that the prosthetic leg in amputees would be used as the preferred leg as often as the dominant leg in controls. For prosthesis users in the free-standing condition, 65% used the prosthetic leg as the preferred leg. This was significantly different (p < 0.003) from able-bodied controls, where 100% used the dominant leg as the preferred leg. This discrepancy became even more pronounced in the supported condition and was overall more prevalent among those who used prosthesis for more than 10 years. These findings may have implications for therapy and gait training.

► Prosthesis users do not consistently use intact leg for support and prosthetic leg for task completion as often believed. ► More experienced prosthesis users are more likely to choose prosthetic leg for support and intact leg for task completion. ► Less defined lower limb preference in prosthetic users may pose a risk for fall when performing activities of daily living.