Effects of heel lifting on transtibial amputee gait before and after treadmill walking: a case study

RIS ID

113741

Publication Details

Yeung, L. F., Leung, A. K. L., Zhang, M. & Lee, W. C. C. (2012). Effects of heel lifting on transtibial amputee gait before and after treadmill walking: a case study. Prosthetics and Orthotics International, 37 (4), 317-323.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Prosthetic alignment is usually unchanged once optimized. However, a previous study indicated that long-distance walking significantly altered gait patterns, suggesting some alignment adjustments after walking are required. This study investigated the effects of alignment changes (by inserting a heel lift) on gait of a transtibial amputee before and after treadmill walking. CASE DESCRIPTION AND METHODS: The subject walked, without heel lifts, on a treadmill until perception of fatigue. Gait changes upon heel lifting at the prosthetic side were studied before and after the treadmill walking FINDINGS AND OUTCOMES: For this subject before the treadmill walking, heel lifting induced drop-off with increased prosthetic-side knee flexion at mid-stance and pre-swing. The sound limb outreached to stabilize the gait. After the treadmill walking, the same heel lift did not induce drop-off. It reduced the plantar flexor power generation, potentially delaying its fatigue. CONCLUSION: After walking prosthetic-side heel lifting could be beneficial.

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Link to publisher version (DOI)

http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0309364612461521