Sprinting with an amputation: Some race-based lower-limb step observations

Background: T44 sprinting with an amputation is still in a state of relative infancy. Future scope for athletic training and prosthetic limb development may be assisted with a better understanding of information derived from T44 athletes when under race-based conditions. Objectives: To investigate the behaviour of step count and step frequency when under competitive conditions. Study design: The study comprises two elements: (1) a video-based analysis of race-based limb-to-limb symmetry and (2) a video-based analysis of race-based step count. Methods: Video analysis of several major events from 1996–2012 are assessed for step count and step limb-to-limb symmetry characteristics. Results: The video analysis highlights limb-to-limb imbalances greater than those indicated in the previous literature. A low step count is determined to be desirable for success in the 100-m event. Conclusion: Future analysis of athletes with a lower-limb amputation would be worthwhile when placed under race-based conditions as the limb-to-limb behaviour is more exaggerated than those seen in typical studies held within a laboratory setting. The within-event behaviour of step counts requires further investigation to establish where these take place or whether it is a cumulative step length issue. Clinical relevance This article increases the understanding of the race-based behaviour of amputee athletes and provides more information to contribute to any discussions on the performance of lower-limb prostheses.

Download Full-text

Construct Validity of the Prosthetic Limb Users Survey of Mobility (PLUS-M) in Adults With Lower Limb Amputation

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation ◽

10.1016/j.apmr.2016.07.026 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 98 (2) ◽

pp. 277-285 ◽

Cited By ~ 43

Author(s):

Brian J. Hafner ◽

Ignacio A. Gaunaurd ◽

Sara J. Morgan ◽

Dagmar Amtmann ◽

Rana Salem ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Construct Validity ◽

Lower Limb ◽

Lower Limb Amputation ◽

Limb Amputation ◽

Prosthetic Limb

Download Full-text

PROSTHETIC LIMB USER EXPERIENCES WITH CROSSOVER FEET: A FOCUS GROUP STUDY TO EXPLORE OUTCOMES THAT MATTER

Canadian Prosthetics & Orthotics Journal ◽

10.33137/cpoj.v1i2.32042 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Cody L. McDonald ◽

Sarah M. Cheever ◽

Sara J. Morgan ◽

Brian J. Hafner

Keyword(s):

Focus Group ◽

Lived Experience ◽

Outcome Measures ◽

Lower Limb ◽

Limb Amputation ◽

Focus Group Study ◽

User Experiences ◽

National Assembly ◽

Prosthetic Limb ◽

Prosthetic Feet

INTRODUCTION A variety of prosthetic feet are available to meet the diverse needs of people with lower limb amputation. Outcome measures selected to assess comparative effectiveness of prosthetic feet are most often chosen by clinicians and researchers.1 Therefore, these measures may not reflect the outcomes that are most important to lower limb prosthesis users. Qualitative research can give voice to prosthesis users and promote the consideration of user priorities when selecting outcome measures for clinical assessment and research studies. This study explored the lived experience and outcomes of importance to individuals who have worn both traditional energy storing feet and crossover feet. Abstract PDF Link: https://jps.library.utoronto.ca/index.php/cpoj/article/view/32042/24456 How to cite: McDonald C.L, Cheever S.M , Morgan S.J., Hafner B.J. PROSTHETIC LIMB USER EXPERIENCES WITH CROSSOVER FEET: A FOCUS GROUP STUDY TO EXPLORE OUTCOMES THAT MATTER. CANADIAN PROSTHETICS & ORTHOTICS JOURNAL, VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2, 2018; ABSTRACT, ORAL PRESENTATION AT THE AOPA’S 101ST NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, SEPT. 26-29, VANCOUVER, CANADA, 2018. DOI: https://doi.org/10.33137/cpoj.v1i2.32042 Abstracts were Peer-reviewed by the American Orthotic Prosthetic Association (AOPA) 101st National Assembly Scientific Committee. http://www.aopanet.org/

Download Full-text

Long-term mortality after lower-limb amputation

Prosthetics and Orthotics International ◽

10.1177/0309364615596067 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 40 (5) ◽

pp. 545-551 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Rajiv Kumar Singh ◽

Guru Prasad

Keyword(s):

Lower Limb ◽

Odds Ratio ◽

Univariate Analysis ◽

Lower Limb Amputation ◽

Limb Amputation ◽

Rehabilitation Centre ◽

Prosthetic Limb ◽

Prosthesis Fitting ◽

Co Morbidity ◽

First Time

Background:Mortality after amputation is known to be extremely high and is associated with a number of patient features. We wished to calculate this mortality after first-time lower-limb amputation and investigate whether any population or treatment factors are associated with worse mortality.Objective:To follow up individuals after lower limb amputation and ascertain the mortality rate as well as population or treatment features associated with mortality.Study design:A prospective cohort study.Methods:Prospective lower-limb amputations over 1 year ( N = 105) at a Regional Rehabilitation Centre were followed up for 3 years.Results:After 3 years, 35 individuals in the cohort had died, representing a mortality of 33%. On initial univariate analysis, those who died were more likely to have diabetes mellitus ( χ2 = 7.16, df = 1, p = 0.007) and less likely to have been fitted with a prosthesis ( χ2 = 5.84, df = 1, p = 0.016). There was no association with age, gender, level of amputation, social isolation, significant medical co-morbidity other than diabetes or presence of mood disorders. A multi-variable logistic regression (backward step) confirmed that diabetes (odds ratio = 3.04, confidence intervals = 1.25–7.40, p = 0.014) and absence of prosthesis-fitting (odds ratio = 2.60, confidence interval = 1.16–6.25, p = 0.028) were independent predictors of mortality.Conclusion:Mortality after amputation is extremely high and is increased in individuals with diabetes or in those who are not fitted with a prosthesis after amputation.Clinical relevanceThe link between diabetes and mortality after amputation has been noted by others, but this is the first study to find an effect from prosthetic limb-wearing. This requires further investigation to ascertain why the wearing of a prosthetic limb, confers an independent survival benefit that is not related to the presence of medical co-morbidity.

Download Full-text

Hip Flexor and Knee Extensor Muscularity Are Associated With Sprint Performance in Sprint-Trained Preadolescent Boys

Pediatric Exercise Science ◽

10.1123/pes.2016-0226 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 30 (1) ◽

pp. 115-123 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Nobuaki Tottori ◽

Tadashi Suga ◽

Yuto Miyake ◽

Ryo Tsuchikane ◽

Mitsuo Otsuka ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lower Limb ◽

Body Height ◽

Knee Extensor ◽

Step Length ◽

Sprint Performance ◽

Step Frequency ◽

Sprint Time ◽

Lower Limb Muscles ◽

Limb Muscles ◽

Hip Flexor

Purpose: We attempted to determine the relationships between the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the trunk and lower limb muscles and sprint performance in male preadolescent sprinters. Methods: Fifteen sprint-trained preadolescent boys (age 11.6 ± 0.4 y) participated in this study. The CSAs of the participants’ trunk and lower limb muscles were measured using magnetic resonance imaging, and these muscles were normalized with free-fat mass. To assess participants’ sprint performance, sprint time and variables during the 50-m sprint test were measured. The sprint variables were expressed as their indices by normalizing with body height. Results: The relative CSAs of psoas major, adductors, and quadriceps femoris were significantly correlated with sprint time (r = −.802, −.643, and −.639). Moreover, the relative CSAs of these muscles were significantly correlated with indices of sprint velocity (r = .694, .612, and .630) and step frequency (r = .687, .740, and .590) but not with that of step length. Conclusions: These findings suggest that greater hip flexor and knee extensor muscularity in male preadolescent sprinters may help achieve superior sprint performance by potentially enhancing their moments, which may be induced by increased step frequency rather than step length during sprinting.

Download Full-text

Agreement Between Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters Measured by a Markerless Motion Capture System and Two Reference Systems—a Treadmill-Based Photoelectric Cell and High-Speed Video Analyses: Comparative Study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.19498 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Felipe García-Pinillos ◽

Diego Jaén-Carrillo ◽

Victor Soto Hermoso ◽

Pedro Latorre Román ◽

Pedro Delgado ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Video Analysis ◽

Contact Time ◽

High Speed ◽

Step Length ◽

Flight Time ◽

Reference Systems ◽

Random Errors ◽

Step Frequency ◽

Temporal Parameters ◽

High Speed Video

BACKGROUND Markerless systems to capture body motion require no markers to be attached to the body, thereby improving clinical feasibility and testing time. However, the lack of markers might affect the accuracy of measurements. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine the absolute reliability and concurrent validity of the Kinect system with MotionMetrix software for spatiotemporal variables during running at a comfortable velocity, by comparing data between the combination system and two widely used systems—OptoGait and high-speed video analysis at 1000 Hz. METHODS In total, 25 runners followed a running protocol on a treadmill at a speed of 12 km/h. The Kinect+MotionMetrix combination measured spatiotemporal parameters during running (ie, contact time, flight time, step frequency, and step length), which were compared to those obtained from two reference systems. RESULTS Regardless of the system, flight time had the highest coefficients of variation (OptoGait: 16.4%; video analysis: 17.3%; Kinect+MotionMetrix: 23.2%). The rest of the coefficients of variation reported were lower than 8.1%. Correlation analysis showed very high correlations (r>0.8; P<.001) and almost perfect associations (intraclass correlation coefficient>0.81) between systems for all the spatiotemporal parameters except contact time, which had lower values. Bland-Altman plots revealed smaller systematic biases and random errors for step frequency and step length and larger systematic biases and random errors for temporal parameters with the Kinect+MotionMetrix system as compared to OptoGait (difference: contact time +3.0%, flight time −7.9%) and high-speed video analysis at 1000 Hz (difference: contact time +4.2%, flight time −11.3%). Accordingly, heteroscedasticity was found between systems for temporal parameters (r2>0.1). CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that the Kinect+MotionMetrix combination slightly overestimates contact time and strongly underestimates flight time as compared to the OptoGait system and high-speed video analysis at 1000 Hz. However, it is a valid tool for measuring step frequency and step length when compared to reference systems. Future studies should determine the reliability of this system for determining temporal parameters.

Download Full-text

Agreement Between Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters Measured by a Markerless Motion Capture System and Two Reference Systems—a Treadmill-Based Photoelectric Cell and High-Speed Video Analyses: Comparative Study

JMIR mhealth and uhealth ◽

10.2196/19498 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (10) ◽

pp. e19498

Author(s):

Felipe García-Pinillos ◽

Diego Jaén-Carrillo ◽

Victor Soto Hermoso ◽

Pedro Latorre Román ◽

Pedro Delgado ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Video Analysis ◽

Contact Time ◽

High Speed ◽

Step Length ◽

Flight Time ◽

Reference Systems ◽

Random Errors ◽

Step Frequency ◽

Temporal Parameters ◽

High Speed Video

Background Markerless systems to capture body motion require no markers to be attached to the body, thereby improving clinical feasibility and testing time. However, the lack of markers might affect the accuracy of measurements. Objective This study aimed to determine the absolute reliability and concurrent validity of the Kinect system with MotionMetrix software for spatiotemporal variables during running at a comfortable velocity, by comparing data between the combination system and two widely used systems—OptoGait and high-speed video analysis at 1000 Hz. Methods In total, 25 runners followed a running protocol on a treadmill at a speed of 12 km/h. The Kinect+MotionMetrix combination measured spatiotemporal parameters during running (ie, contact time, flight time, step frequency, and step length), which were compared to those obtained from two reference systems. Results Regardless of the system, flight time had the highest coefficients of variation (OptoGait: 16.4%; video analysis: 17.3%; Kinect+MotionMetrix: 23.2%). The rest of the coefficients of variation reported were lower than 8.1%. Correlation analysis showed very high correlations (r>0.8; P<.001) and almost perfect associations (intraclass correlation coefficient>0.81) between systems for all the spatiotemporal parameters except contact time, which had lower values. Bland-Altman plots revealed smaller systematic biases and random errors for step frequency and step length and larger systematic biases and random errors for temporal parameters with the Kinect+MotionMetrix system as compared to OptoGait (difference: contact time +3.0%, flight time −7.9%) and high-speed video analysis at 1000 Hz (difference: contact time +4.2%, flight time −11.3%). Accordingly, heteroscedasticity was found between systems for temporal parameters (r2>0.1). Conclusions The results indicate that the Kinect+MotionMetrix combination slightly overestimates contact time and strongly underestimates flight time as compared to the OptoGait system and high-speed video analysis at 1000 Hz. However, it is a valid tool for measuring step frequency and step length when compared to reference systems. Future studies should determine the reliability of this system for determining temporal parameters.

Download Full-text

Daily step count of British military males with bilateral lower limb amputations: A comparison of in-patient rehabilitation with the consecutive leave period between admissions

Prosthetics and Orthotics International ◽

10.1177/0309364618806058 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 43 (2) ◽

pp. 188-195 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Kate Sherman ◽

Andrew Roberts ◽

Kevin Murray ◽

Sarah Deans ◽

Hannah Jarvis

Keyword(s):

Lower Limb ◽

Step Count ◽

Medical Rehabilitation ◽

Functional Health ◽

Limb Amputation ◽

Daily Step ◽

Rehabilitation Centre ◽

Daily Step Count ◽

Bilateral Lower Limb ◽

The Individual

Background: Reduced function and health in individuals with lower limb amputation is well documented. Step count measurement could facilitate rehabilitation and help monitor functional health outcomes. Objectives: To determine whether mean daily step count changed between in-patient rehabilitation and consecutive leave periods. Study Design: Observational study. Methods: Nine individuals with bilateral traumatic amputations attending rehabilitation at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre during a 4-month period were invited to participate in the study (two bilateral transfemoral, two bilateral transfemoral/knee disarticulation, two transfemoral/transtibial, one bilateral transfemoral plus transradial, one bilateral transfemoral plus transhumeral and one transfemoral/transtibial/transradial). Prostheses worn by each participant were fitted with an activity monitor (LAM2TM; PAL Technologies Ltd, Glasgow). Mean daily step count was analysed for each participant following 2 weeks in-patient rehabilitation and consecutive 2 weeks away from rehabilitation. Results: Nine participants completed the study (time since injury: 19 ± 7 months, age: 26 ± 6 years). Mean daily step count significantly decreased from 2258 ± 192 during in-patient rehabilitation to 1387 ± 363 at home ( p < 0.01). Conclusion: The step count decreased when away from rehabilitation, confirming the hypothesis that the mean daily step count would change between in-patient rehabilitation and consecutive leave period. Clinical relevance These data provide an indication of the step count achievable by young, military male personnel with bilateral lower limb amputations and highlights differences between intensive in-patient rehabilitation and consecutive leave periods. It is suggested that further investigation and support of clinical monitoring could facilitate rehabilitation tailored to the individual.

Download Full-text

Kinematic Adaptations of Forward and Backward Walking on Land and in Water

Journal of Human Kinetics ◽

10.1515/hukin-2015-0104 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 49 (1) ◽

pp. 15-24 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Cristina Cadenas-Sanchez ◽

Raúl Arellano ◽

Jos Vanrenterghem ◽

Gracia López-Contreras

Keyword(s):

Lower Limb ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

Sagittal Plane ◽

Body Height ◽

Step Length ◽

Initial Contact ◽

Step Frequency ◽

Backward Walking ◽

Limb Kinematics ◽

Lower Limb Kinematics

Abstract The aim of this study was to compare sagittal plane lower limb kinematics during walking on land and submerged to the hip in water. Eight healthy adults (age 22.1 ± 1.1 years, body height 174.8 ± 7.1 cm, body mass 63.4 ± 6.2 kg) were asked to cover a distance of 10 m at comfortable speed with controlled step frequency, walking forward or backward. Sagittal plane lower limb kinematics were obtained from three dimensional video analysis to compare spatiotemporal gait parameters and joint angles at selected events using two-way repeated measures ANOVA. Key findings were a reduced walking speed, stride length, step length and a support phase in water, and step length asymmetry was higher compared to the land condition (p<0.05). At initial contact, knees and hips were more flexed during walking forward in water, whilst, ankles were more dorsiflexed during walking backward in water. At final stance, knees and ankles were more flexed during forward walking, whilst the hip was more flexed during backward walking. These results show how walking in water differs from walking on land, and provide valuable insights into the development and prescription of rehabilitation and training programs.

Download Full-text