Gait Pattern with the Use of Two different Prosthesis on Amputated Limbs in Trans-Tibial Amputees

Abstract

This study was to analyze the gait pattern of the amputated limb using two different types of prosthesis commercially available for the trans-tibial amputees. The study was conducted on 5 adult males with right trans-tibial amputation. Stride characteristics, joint motion and ground reaction forces were recorded simultaneously during a self-selected free walking velocity by using two different prosthetic feet by the trans-tibial amputees, namely DR (Dynamic-response) and SACH (Solid Ankle Cushioned Heel) foot. Qualisys Motion Capture System (Sweden) and Kistler Force Plate (Switzerland) were used to capture and analysis of data. The volunteers had trials on each foot considerably prior to experiment. Mean ±SD of the age, height and weight of the volunteers were 40.2±5.93 yrs, 172.6±11.23 cm and 71.0±12.04 kg respectively. It was observed that walking speed using DR foot and SACH foot were 0.99±0.17 m/sec (3.56 km/hr) and 0.87±0.23 m/sec (3.13 km/hr) respectively. Step lengths using DR foot (L =0.7±0.11m; R=0.6±0.05m) are more than the step length using SACH foot (L=0.6±0.09m; R=0.4±0.25m). Vertical ground reaction force for amputated leg using DR foot (28.9±19.63 N) was more than SACH foot (14.13±17.54 N). The volunteers were asked to walk on the treadmill in two different Phases using DR and SACH feet. Steady state heart rate was recorded using polar HR Monitor – S810i (Finland). In Phase-1 they were allowed to walk at their normal walking speed for 5 min and in Phase-2, treadmill elevation was 4% along with their normal walking speed. The heart rate responses in Phase -1 for DR and SACH foot were 115.2±13.68 and 121.7±18.63 respectively. Whereas, the heart rate responses in Phase-2 were 117.4±11.11 and 125.7±19.18 respectively. The findings of this study shows that gait pattern of the amputated limb with DR prosthesis has greater floor impact in comparison to SACH foot and is closer to the ‘sound’ limb. Also physiological responses are comparatively better for DR prosthesis than SACH. Therefore, the DR prosthesis has been found functionally better suited for trans-tibial amputees than SACH prosthesis.