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The effects of altering initial ground contact in the running gait of an individual with transtibial amputation
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

The effects of altering initial ground contact in the running gait of an individual with transtibial amputation

Linda Waetjen, Matthew Parker and Jason M Wilken
Prosthetics and orthotics international, Vol.36(3), pp.356-360
09/2012
DOI: 10.1177/0309364611433353
PMID: 22918914
url
https://doi.org/10.1177/0309364611433353View
Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

Background: High rates of osteoarthritis of the knee joint of the intact limb in persons with amputation have raised concern about the long-term consequence of running. The purpose of this intervention was to determine if loading of the knee on the intact limb of a person with transtibial amputation during running could be decreased by changing the intact limb initial ground contact from rear foot to forefoot strike. Case Description and Methods: This study compared kinematic, kinetic and temporal-spatial data collected while a 27-year-old male, who sustained a traumatic unilateral transtibial amputation of the left lower extremity, ran using a forefoot ground contact and again while using a heel first ground contact. Findings and Outcomes: Changing initial ground contact from rear foot strike to forefoot strike resulted in decreases in vertical ground reaction forces at impact, peak knee moments in stance, peak knee powers, and improved symmetry in step length. Conclusion: This case suggests forefoot initial contact of the intact limb may minimize loading of the knee on the intact limb in individuals with transtibial amputation. Clinical relevance Individuals with transtibial amputation may decrease their already elevated risk for osteoarthritis by decreasing the loading forces on the knee of the intact limb when running with a forefoot ground contact.
running ground reaction force Amputation kinematic knee moment

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