Article

An improved understanding of factors related to dynamic stability in lower-limb
prosthesis users is important, given the high occurrence of falls in this
population. Current methods of assessing stability are unable to adequately
characterize dynamic stability over a variety of walking conditions. F-Scan
Mobile has been used to collect plantar pressure data and six extracted
parameters were useful measures of dynamic stability. The aim of this study was
to investigate dynamic stability in individuals with unilateral transtibial
amputation based on these six parameters. Twenty community ambulators with a
unilateral transtibial amputation walked over level ground, uneven ground,
stairs, and a ramp while plantar pressure data were collected. For each limb
(intact and prosthetic) and condition, six stability parameters related to
plantar center-of-pressure perturbations and gait temporal parameters, were
computed from the plantar pressure data. Parameter values were compared between
limbs, walking condition, and groups (unilateral transtibial prosthesis users and
able-bodied subjects). Differences in parameters were found between limbs and
conditions, and between prosthesis users and able-bodied individuals. Further
research could investigate optimizing parameter calculations for unilateral
transtibial prosthesis users and define relationships between potential for falls
and the dynamic stability measures.
CI - Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS