Author/Editor		Isakov, E; Burger, H; Krajnik, J; Gregorič, M; Marinček, Č
Title		Influence of speed on gait parameters and on symmetry in below-knee amputees
Type		članek
Source		In: Miklavčič D, Bajd T, Stanič U, editors. Proceedings of the 9th international conference on mechanics in medicine and biology; 1996 Jun 30-Jul 4; Ljubljana. Ljubljana: Slovenian society of medical and biological engineering,
Publication year		1996
Volume		str. 453-6
Language		eng
Abstract		Normal gait is characterised by a high level of inter-leg symmetry of gait parameters. Therefore, efforts in rehabilitation of amputees are directed at the construction of a prosthesis which resembles normal leg function and allows a more symmetrical gait. Analysis of gait in below-knee amputees was performed while ambulating in their own free speed and in a faster speed. The effect of speed on selected gait parameters in each leg was evaluated and the influence on symmetry was established by comparing the inter-legs changes obtained for each of the selected parameters. The level of the faster gait trail was high enough to affect significantly all temporal and distance parameters in both legs but not level of symmetry between legs, as demonstrated by the insignificant difference in interlegs changes occurred unde fast speed. Due to a faster speed, the hip angles during heel-sstrike and swing and the knee angle during load response, in the normal leg, and the knee angle during swing in the amputated leg, all increased significantly. Speed of gait significantly affected symmetry between knees angle as reflected by the increased differences in inter-leg changes mesaured during load response (from 2.62+-5.2 to 7.06+-4.2 degrees) and during toe-off (from 1.80+-7.4 to 9.50+-9.1 degress). Timing and sequence of selected gait events, as related to stride time, were not significantly affected by speed of gait. These results might contribute to a better understanding of gait characteristics in below-knee amputees and might direct attention in the development and evaluation of prosthetic components ifluence on gait quality.
Descriptors		AMPUTATION, TRAUMATIC LEG GAIT ORTHOTIC DEVICES AMPUTEES WALKING