Transtibial Amputee Gait: Kinematics and Temporal-Spatial Analysis

Transtibial amputees gait patterns are widely studied. Usually, kinematic and temporal-spatial parameters data are used to investigate their gait pattern. The Gait Profile Score (GPS) and the Movement analysis Profile (MAP) are new tolls that summarize kinematics data in one single number. The aim of this study was to use GPS, Movement analysis Profile (MAP) and temporal-spatial parameters to quantify gait deviations of a homogeneous group of transtibial amputees, using the same prosthetic components and that were rehabilitated in a specific center. Besides, it was observed the correlation between GPS scores and temporal-spatial parameters. Five unilateral traumatic transtibial amputees participated on this study. All the participants used KBM (Kondylen Bettung Münster) prosthetic fitting and solid ankle cushion heel (SACH) foot. Kinematic and temporal-spatial data were assessed through 3D gait analysis. All analyzed variables presented deviations compared with normal expected values. Prosthetic limb GPS score was larger than intact limb GPS score as well as step length with the prosthetic leg was longer than with the intact one. Time of single support with the intact limb was longer than that with the prosthetic limb. The largest gait variable scores (GVS) were in the hip flexion/extension for the prosthetic limb, knee flexion/extension for the intact limb, and hip rotation for both. The strongest correlation occurred between overall GPS and prosthetic step length, overall GPS and time of single support with the prosthetic limb, prosthetic limb GPS and prosthetic step length, and between prosthetic limb GPS and time of single support with the prosthetic limb. The GPS, MAP and temporal-spatial parameters were useful in quantifying gait deviation on transtibial amputees. GPS scores were increased and temporal-spatial parameters values were lower than that found in health subjects.