Gait biomechanics of unilateral transfemoral amputees
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The use of three-dimensional gait data to characterise the gait biomechanics of unilateral transfemoral amputees and the benefits of advanced prosthetic provision
IRAS ID
241621
Contact name
Bruce Carse
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS GGC R&D
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 1 months, 1 days
Research summary
Summary of Research: This study aims to increase the depth of understanding on the walking patterns of adults who have had a unilateral transfemoral amputation, and how these can be improved by the provision of state-of-the-art prosthetic equipment.
Previous studies on lower limb amputees showed that they exhibit a walking pattern with decreased velocity, cadence and stride length. They also highlighted significant asymmetries in both the lower and upper body which cause increased centre of mass excursion, which subsequently contributes towards increased energy expenditure during walking. These walking problems are known to contribute towards decreased activity levels, and a reduced quality of life for this patient group.
In order to design interventions which may improve activity levels and quality of life for this patient group, a more comprehensive understanding of their walking problems is required. This study aims to answer the following research questions:
1. What are the biomechanical characteristics of the walking patterns of unilateral transfemoral amputees?
2. What effect does the provision of microprocessor controlled knees have on the walking patterns of unilateral transfemoral amputees?During the routine clinical provision of a new Scottish Specialist Prosthetics Service, three dimensional clinical gait analysis (3DCGA) data was collected. The investigators wish to utilise this existing 3DCGA data for research purposes to answer the above questions.
The study will be conducted within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, primarily at the West of Scotland Mobility and Rehabilitation Centre.
All of the data required by this study has already been collected, so nothing additional will be required of the patients whose data will be accessed, and the analysis of the data and dissemination is expected to take a maximum of two years.
Summary of Findings:
This study used previously collected three-dimensional motion data to help understand more about the walking patterns of patients who have a unilateral transfemoral (i.e. above knee) amputation. It has successfully helped to:1. Clearly define the main characteristics of how this group of patients walk 2. Evaluate how their walking changes when they are provided with a microprocessor controlled knee 3. Assess specifically what changes in a sub-group of this cohort who are considered to be 'low activity' patients 4. Established what level of change in walking performance is considered to be meaningful by patients
It is anticipated that this information will help prosthetic equipment manufacturers produce better products, help Prosthetists to ensure that individual patients are prescribed the right products, help Physiotherapists target their rehabilitation therapy, and finally to stimulate further research in this area.
REC name
Wales REC 6
REC reference
18/WA/0097
Date of REC Opinion
5 Mar 2018
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion