The gait initiation process in unilateral lower-limb amputees when stepping up and stepping down to a new level

Interpretation. Findings indicate the gait initiation process utilised by lower-limb amputees was dependent on the direction of stepping and more particularly by which limb the amputee led with; this suggests that the balance and postural control of gait initiation is not governed by a fixed motor program, and thus that becoming an amputee will require time and training to develop alternative neuromuscular control and coordination strategies. These findings should be considered when developing training/rehabilitation programs.