Article

Abnormal mechanics of movement resulting from lower-limb amputation (LLA) may
increase stability demands on the spinal column and/or alter existing postural
control mechanisms and neuromuscular responses. A seated balance task was used to
investigate the effects of LLA on trunk postural control and stability, among
eight males with unilateral LLA (4 transtibial, 4 transfemoral), and eight
healthy, non-amputation controls (matched by age, stature, and body mass).
Traditional measures derived from center of pressure (COP) time series, and
measures obtained from non-linear stabilogram diffusion analyses, were used to
characterize trunk postural control. All traditional measures of postural control
(95% ellipse area, RMS distance, and mean velocity) were significantly larger
among participants with LLA. Non-linear stabilogram diffusion analyses also
revealed significant differences in postural control among persons with LLA, but
only in the antero-posterior direction. Normalized trunk muscle activity was also
larger among participants with LLA. Larger COP-based sway measures among
participants with LLA during seated balance suggest an association between LLA
and reduced trunk postural control. Reductions in postural control and spinal
stability may be a result of adaptations in functional tissue properties and/or
neuromuscular responses, and may potentially be caused by repetitive exposure to
abnormal gait and movement. Such alterations could then lead to an increased risk
for spinal instability, intervertebral motions beyond physiological limits, and
pain.
CI - Copyright (c) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS