An Assessment of Stability, Gait Performance and Energy Consumption in Individuals with Transfemoral Amputation

Abstract

Transfemoral amputation (TFA) results in reduced sensation, altered body image and loss of function. Energy expenditure is known to be significantly higher in individuals with TFA compared with their healthy counterparts. Kinetic and kinematics characteristics of individuals with TFA have been evaluated; however, stability during quiet standing has not been examined. This study evaluated stability, gait performance and energy consumption in individuals with TFA during standing and walking. A total of subjects (5 healthy and 5 with TFA) participated in this study. The motion of lower limb joints and the force applied on the leg were evaluated using a motion analysis system, Qualysis. Stability during standing was examined using a force plate and energy consumption during walking was evaluated based on physiological cost index (PCI). Group comparisons were made using the independent t-test. There was no significant difference in stability between subjects with TFA and normal subjects during standing. However, walking speed in subjects with TFA decreased significantly compared to normal subjects (p = 0.014). PCI of subjects with TFA was 0.525 +/- 0.13 compared to 0.298 +/- 0.059 beats/m in normal subjects (p < 0.05). It seems that stability in subjects with TFA was similar to their healthy counterparts. However, energy consumption was higher in the TFA group than in normal subjects, which may be due to slow walking speed. Clinicians are to be aware of these findings as they may be useful for effective management of the patients with TFA.