Biomechanical Compensations of the Trunk and Lower Extremities during Stepping Tasks after Unilateral Transtibial Amputation
Publication Date
8-30-2017
Document Type
Article
Organizational Units
Daniel Felix Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science, Center for Orthopaedic Biomechanics, Mechanical and Materials Engineering
Keywords
Dysvascular amputation, Diabetes, Biomechanics, Stairs
Abstract
Background
Lower extremity movement compensations following transtibial amputation are well-documented and are likely influenced by trunk posture and movement. However, the biomechanical compensations of the trunk and lower extremities, especially during high-demand tasks such as step ascent and descent, remain unclear.
Methods
Kinematic and kinetic data were collected during step ascent and descent tasks for three groups of individuals: diabetic/transtibial amputation, diabetic, and healthy. An ANCOVA was used to compare peak trunk, hip and knee joint angles and moments in the sagittal and frontal planes between groups. Paired t-tests were used to compare peak joint angles and moments between amputated and intact limbs of the diabetic/transtibial amputation group.
Findings
During step ascent and descent, the transtibial amputation group exhibited greater trunk forward flexion and lateral flexion compared to the other two groups (P < 0.016), which resulted in greater low back moments and asymmetric loading patterns in the lower extremity joints. The diabetic group exhibited similar knee joint loading patterns compared to the amputation group (P < 0.016), during step descent.
Interpretation
This study highlights the biomechanical compensations of the trunk and lower extremities in individuals with dysvascular transtibial amputation, by identifying low back, hip, and knee joint moment patterns unique to transtibial amputation during stepping tasks. In addition, the results suggest that some movement compensations may be confounded by the presence of diabetes and precede limb amputation. The increased and asymmetrical loading patterns identified may predispose individuals with transtibial amputation to the development of secondary pain conditions, such as low back pain or osteoarthritis.
Publication Statement
Copyright held by author or publisher. User is responsible for all copyright compliance.
Recommended Citation
Murray, Amanda M, et al. “Biomechanical Compensations of the Trunk and Lower Extremities during Stepping Tasks after Unilateral Transtibial Amputation.” Clinical Biomechanics (Bristol), vol. 49, 2017, pp. 64–71. doi: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2017.08.010.