Improved Prosthetic Gait Following Amputee-Specific Physical Therapy
Advisor Information
Sara Myers
Location
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
Presentation Type
Poster
Start Date
6-3-2015 2:00 PM
End Date
6-3-2015 3:30 PM
Abstract
Amputees must relearn to walk with a prosthesis. Prosthetic rehabilitation is used to reduce and eliminate irregularities between the prosthetic and sound leg. This may decrease long term exposure to increased work demand on the sound leg. An amputee-specific physical therapy (PT) program provides motor learning to help develop proper gait mechanics. However, PT is not standard for all individuals receiving their first prosthesis due to lack of evidence showing improved gait in result PT. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine whether amputees receiving PT have better gait mechanics than those who do not. The hypothesis was that those who underwent an amputee-specific PT program would demonstrate more regular gait patterns. Amputees with transtibial (between the knee and ankle) amputations walked overground at a self-selected pace while data was collected. The therapy group had previously undergone 2-3 therapy sessions per week for 3 months. Irregularities were determined through overground gait tests comparing prosthetic and sound legs. Results – 17 of 23 variables tested showed significant differences between the prosthetic and sound leg for the group that did not receive amputee-specific PT. The group that had previously received therapy, only 4 of 23 variables showed significant differences between the prosthetic and sound leg. Discussion – Amputees participating in an amputee-specific PT program after receiving a prosthesis show more symmetrical gait. This results in less work demands of the sound leg which results in a less likely chance of long term complications to the sound leg.
Improved Prosthetic Gait Following Amputee-Specific Physical Therapy
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
Amputees must relearn to walk with a prosthesis. Prosthetic rehabilitation is used to reduce and eliminate irregularities between the prosthetic and sound leg. This may decrease long term exposure to increased work demand on the sound leg. An amputee-specific physical therapy (PT) program provides motor learning to help develop proper gait mechanics. However, PT is not standard for all individuals receiving their first prosthesis due to lack of evidence showing improved gait in result PT. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine whether amputees receiving PT have better gait mechanics than those who do not. The hypothesis was that those who underwent an amputee-specific PT program would demonstrate more regular gait patterns. Amputees with transtibial (between the knee and ankle) amputations walked overground at a self-selected pace while data was collected. The therapy group had previously undergone 2-3 therapy sessions per week for 3 months. Irregularities were determined through overground gait tests comparing prosthetic and sound legs. Results – 17 of 23 variables tested showed significant differences between the prosthetic and sound leg for the group that did not receive amputee-specific PT. The group that had previously received therapy, only 4 of 23 variables showed significant differences between the prosthetic and sound leg. Discussion – Amputees participating in an amputee-specific PT program after receiving a prosthesis show more symmetrical gait. This results in less work demands of the sound leg which results in a less likely chance of long term complications to the sound leg.