The effects of altered lower limb mechanics as a result of amputation on gait and posture and the implications for falls

Vanicek, Natalie

Abstract

© 2014 Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. Following the amputation of the lower limb, a prosthesis is typically prescribed to provide the structural support needed for walking. Inherently, lower limb amputees have modified locomotor systems due to the loss of muscle function, diminished joint movement and modified feedback from muscles and receptors. Yet, they can relearn to walk proficiently and comfortably within their new biomechanical constraints. However, there are many factors that predispose lower limb amputees to falling, and they experience more falls per year than age-matched, able-bodied adults. Previous research has reported that 52-58% of individuals with a major lower limb amputation experience at least one fall within a 12-month period. Falls are a major healthcare problem and have serious physical, psychological and socioeconomic consequences. Gait disorders that are related to reduced lower limb strength and joint range of motion, muscle tightness and postural instability are associated with an increased risk of falling in older people. Therefore, lower limb amputees and older adults exhibit similar characteristics that predispose them to falling. Whilst falls are a serious problem for our ageing population and lower limb amputees, effective and targeted rehabilitation and exercise programmes have the potential to improve locomotor performance, reduce falls and improve general health and quality-of-life. This chapter focuses on the risk factors for falls in lower limb amputees and describes some of the biomechanical characteristics of lower limb amputee gait. A general overview about post-operative procedures and prosthetic gait training is described. The epidemiology of falls is reviewed and the literature focusing on the gait differences between fallers and non-fallers is discussed critically. Common activities of daily living such as level, inclined and stair walking, turning during walking and loss of balance in dynamic situations are often precursors to a fall. This chapter examines the functional demands of such activities and makes evidence-based recommendations for targeted exercises for lower limb amputees. This chapter concludes with an overview of the relative popularity of game console use as a novel training tool in amputee rehabilitation and how this may impact physiotherapy and falls prevention programmes in patients with a high falls risk.

Citation

Vanicek, N. (2014). The effects of altered lower limb mechanics as a result of amputation on gait and posture and the implications for falls. In L. Li, & M. Holmes (Eds.), Gait Biometrics: Basic Patterns, Role of Neurological Disorders and Effects of Physical Activity (117-139). Nova Science Publishers

• Publication Date: 2014-01
• Deposit Date: Jan 21, 2021
• Publisher: Nova Science Publishers
• Pages: 117-139
• Series Title: Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Book Title: Gait Biometrics: Basic Patterns, Role of Neurological Disorders and Effects of Physical Activity
• ISBN: 9781629483818
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/3635302