Amputee gait

L. Torbum, J. Perry, E. Ayyappa, and S. L. Shanfield (1990), Below-knee amputee gait with dynamic elastic response prosthetic feet A pilot study. J. Rehabil. Res. Dev. 27(4) 369-384. 

Sjodahl, C. et al, Pelvic motion in trans-femoral amputees in the frontal and transverse plane before and after special gait re-education, Prosthet. Orthop. Int., 27,227,2003. 

In conventional Kmbs, parameters of these controls are determined by fixed components (springs, bleed valves) that are set to optimum for an individual s normal gait at one particular speed, for example, the pneumatic controller in Figure 68.8. If the amputee subsequently walks more slowly, the limb will tend to lead, while if the amputee walks more quickly, the limb will tend to fall behind the usual compensatory actions are, respectively, an unnatural tilting of the pelvis to delay heel contact or abnormal kicking through of the leg. 

Doane, N.E. and Holt, L.E., A comparison of the SACH foot and single axis foot in the gait of the unilateral below-knee amputee, Prosthet. Orthot. Int. 7 33-36,1983. 

Since one of the goals of lower extremity prosthetics is to replace function, much attention is given to the restoration of gait or ambulation. While some argue that optimal gait for a lower extremity amputee need not be symmetric, symmetry in ambulation is cosmetic. As such, the prosthetist and physical therapists attempt to restore normal, symmetric gait—given constraints such as Joint contractures, weak hip/knee musculature, poor balance, and the potential need for an assistive device. 

Gait analysis of the transtibial amputee is reviewed in Refs. 7 (Ch s. 14 and 18) and 1. These references highlight common gait deviations, their potential prosthetic and/or physiological causes, and possible corrective measures. 

Gait analysis of the hip disarticulation amputee will not be discussed due to the relative rarity of this level of amputation and the fact that the excessive cost of ambulation often dictates that such amputees do not routinely use a prosthesis for ambulation. Many individuals with hip disarticulation prefer to use fiMeaim crutches for ambulation and don their prosthesis for cosmetic purposes only. However, as discussed previously in the design of the prosthesis for individuals wiA this level of amputation, the stride-length control strap and hip bumper are critical to prosthetic limb stability and function during ambulation. 

D. H. Nielsen, D. G. Shurr, J. C. Golden, and K. Meier (1989), Comparison of energy cost and gait efficiency during ambulation in below-knee amputees using different prosthetic feet - a preliminary report. J. Prosthet. Orthot. 1(1) 24-31. 

D. G. Barth, L. Schumacher, and S. S. Thomas Gait analysis and energy cost of below-knee amputees wearing six different prosthetic feet, J. Prosthet. Orthot. 4(2) 63-75. 

A. M. Boonstra, V. Fidler, G. M. A. Spits, P. Tuil, and A. L. Hof (1993), Comparison of gait using a Multiflex foot versus a Quantum foot in knee disarticulation amputees, Prosthet. Orthot. Int. 17 90-94. 

R. D. Snyder, C. M. Powers, and Perry J. Fontaine (1996) The effect of five prosthetic feet on the gait and loading of the sound limb in dysvascular below-knee amputees, J. Rehabil. Res. Dev. 32(4) 309-315. 

As a final example of a MR fluid controlled adaptronic system, the smart prosthesis knee developed by Biedermann Motech GmbH [178-181] is presented. This system shown in Fig. 6.91 is a complete artificial knee that automatically adapts and responds in real-time to changing conditions to provide the most natural gait possible for above-knee amputees. The heart of this system is a small magnetorheological fluid damper that is used to semi-actively control the motion of the knee based on inputs from a group... 

F. Farahmand, F. Razaeian, R. Narimani, and P. Hejazi Dinan, Kinematic and dynamic analysis of the gait cycle of above knee amputees, Scien-tia Iranica, 2006, 13, 261-267. 

In this paper, our focus was on the methods used for measuring pistoning in lower limb amputees. Most of the studies measured the pistoning by simulating the gait... 

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