Spatio temporal parameters and symmetry in subjects ascending and descending a ramp, using three different prosthetic feet

Abstract

This study aimed at evaluating spatiotemporal parameters (STP) and symmetry index (SI), commonly used for evaluating amputee gait for routine clinical use, in individuals with unilateral transtibial amputations wearing energy storage and return (ESAR) feet with fixed ankles, prosthetic feet with adaptive ankles (PFAA) and prosthetic feet with microcontrolled adaptive ankles (PFAA-MC) in ramp ascent and descent. Thirteen individuals with transtibial amputations walked up and down a ramp. The STPs were measured in the amputated and intact legs and the relationship between them was quantified using the SI. The results showed that the use of PFAA-MC decreases walking speed in ramp descent (P ≤ 0.018). However, this was the only parameter that showed a significant change. Hence, the differences in the amputees' gait pattern when using the above-mentioned prostheses may not be reflected by STP and their SI.