Abstract
Ground reaction forces (GRF) and electromyographic activity form a part of the descriptive data that characterise the biomechanics of gait. The research of these parameters is important in establishing gait training and understanding the impact of amputation and prosthetic components on movement during the act of walking. Therefore, this case series describes the GRF and electromyographic activity in the gait of transfemoral amputees. A force plate was used to measure GRF, and an electromyographic system monitored the vastus lateralis, biceps femoris, tibialis anterior, and gastrocnemius lateralis muscles of the non-amputated leg. The average vertical and anteroposterior GRF time-curves, average electromyographic activity, and descriptor variables were then analysed. We observed decreases in vertical and anteroposterior GRF magnitudes as well as in anteroposterior GRF descriptor variables during the propulsive phase in the amputated leg. There were increases in phasic muscle activity and co-activation in the non-amputated leg. We concluded that, during walking, the unilateral transfemoral amputees (who were analysed in this case series) developed lower GRF in the amputated limb and a longer period of electromyographic activity in the non-amputated limb.
Highlights
Amputation of the lower limbs changes the biomechanics of gait[1,2,3]
As a consequence of slow gait and shorter ∆tstance, the vertical Ground reaction forces (GRF) impulse was lower for the amputated limb (AL) (Table 1)
The 1apF and apFBimp were similar for both stances of Participants 1 and 3, whereas in the propulsive phase, the 2apF, ∆t2apF, apFPimp, and ∆tstance were lower in the AL of all participants (Table 1)
Summary
Amputation of the lower limbs changes the biomechanics of gait[1,2,3]. Different lower limb inertial properties[4,5] and a limited capacity to generate internal forces and torques[2,6] are two major locomotion problems facing an amputee when using a prosthetic limb. Previous studies have explored the kinematics[5,7,8,9] and kinetics[1,2,6,8,9] of the amputee gait, but few studies have described the muscles’ activation[3] It is unknown how transfemoral amputation affects muscle activation during walking, nor what adaptations in muscle activation may occur to accomplish the changes observed in the mechanics of the locomotion system with a prosthetic leg. Analysis of electromyographic activity may describe some of the strategies used by the nervous system to adapt to the amputee condition Several factors affect this adaptation such as: the amputation level[1], the prosthesis type[9], the muscle reinsertion method into the thigh, the anatomical and functional condition of the remaining muscles and nerves[3], gait rehabilitation strategies[10], stump length[11], and how varied were the motor experiences after amputation
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Revista Brasileira de Cineantropometria e Desempenho Humano
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
