Article

Stair ascent is a very demanding task for transfemoral amputees
(TFAs). The purpose of this study was to investigate the lower extremity joint
kinematics of TFAs who can climb stairs using a step-over-step gait pattern
without an active artificial prosthetic knee joint or handrail use. METHODS : Case series. Participants were two traumatic TFAs and 10
control participants. Both TFAs used a single-axis prosthetic knee joint in daily
living. Sagittal plane joint kinematics were recorded at 60 Hz using an
eight-camera motion analysis system and digital video camera. Findings and
OUTCOMES: From the instant of touchdown, the prosthetic knee joint was rapidly
extended and remained fully extended until toe-off. In the latter half of the
stance phase, the knee and ankle joints of the sound limb simultaneously showed
rapid joint flexion during continuous extension. Further, the ankle joint of the
sound limb showed greater plantarflexion at the end of the stance phase.
CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the TFA in the present study would (1)
extend the prosthetic knee joint to prevent the knee flexion generated by the
bodyweight (plus ground reaction force and/or joint moment), and (2) lift the
whole body in an upward direction using strong counter-movements and greater
joint extension during the stance phase.

Langue : ANGLAIS