Biomechanics and quality of life in transtibial amputees during and following rehabilitation : a longitudinal study

• Main Author: Barnett, Cleveland Thomas
• Other Authors: Vanicek, Natalie : Polman, Remco
• Published: University of Hull 2011
• Subjects: 612; Sport science
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.541579

Following surgery, amputees must re-learn how to perform various movement tasks using altered lower limb mechanics. In order to optimise the process of re-learning these tasks and inform rehabilitation practice, an understanding of the longitudinal adaptations that occur both during and following a period of rehabilitation must be established. Scientific literature has reported the biomechanical, balance and quality of life (QOL) characteristics of transtibial amputees. However, no studies to date have outlined how these characteristics develop over time. The aim of this thesis, therefore, was to investigate the longitudinal changes that occurred in unilateral transtibial amputee movement, balance and QOL from their first treatments following amputation up to six months post-discharge from rehabilitation. Studies one and two assessed the kinematic and psychological adaptations that occurred during the rehabilitation of 15 unilateral transtibial amputees. The amputees were randomly allocated into two groups, differing by early walking aid (EWA) used. One group used the Amputee Mobility Aid (AMA), which incorporated an articulation at the knee joint. The other group used the Pneumatic Post-Amputation Mobility Aid (PPAM) with no articulation at the knee joint. Amputee�s gait and quality of life (QOL) were assessed at five standardised time points using three-dimensional motion capture and the SF-36 questionnaire, respectively. Overall, amputee�s gait improved with walking velocity increasing over time (p