Neuromuscular Function and Joint Coordination in Transtibial Amputees
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Quadriceps muscular function and multijoint coordination strategies of the lower-body in transtibial amputees.
IRAS ID
225792
Contact name
Neale Tillin
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Roehampton
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 14 days
Research summary
People with a unilateral transtibial amputation have an amputation between the knee and ankle joints on one leg. Consequently, they alter their movement patterns by favouring the intact limb (i.e. higher loading) to perform normal physical activities, such as walking and traversing steps effectively. These movement alterations are thought to put amputees at a greater risk of falling and developing certain musculoskeletal disorders resulting in joint pain. There is some evidence that the movement alterations stem in part from weakened thigh muscles on the amputated side, however, there is yet to be a comprehensive investigation on the relationship between thigh muscle weakness and movement pattern alteration. It is also unclear what factors underlie this muscle weakness, e.g. changes in thigh muscle structure, or the ability of the central nervous system to activate the muscles. The purpose of this study is to provide novel information on the relationship between muscular measures and altered movement patterns in unilateral transtibial amputees (TTAs). Understanding this relationship may help to guide rehabilitation protocols for TTAs.
40-80 healthy and active TTAs and able-bodied individuals between the ages of 20-50 years will be recruited to take part in the study, which involves three testing sessions at the University of Roehampton Biomechanics Laboratory. Session one will involve familiarising the participant with the environment of the biomechanics lab, the strength testing chair and the protocol. During session two, all muscle strength measures will be recorded from both limbs. Session three involves biomechanical analysis of walking, running, step-descent, and jumping movements. All participants will be compensated £10 per visit and amputees will receive a report including biomechanical feedback on movement patterns and pertinent physiological information, with exercise suggestions based on these findings.
REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/NW/0566
Date of REC Opinion
25 Sep 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion