Abstract

The mediolateral ground reaction force (M-L GRF) profile that realizes a symmetrical mediolateral ground reaction impulse (M-L GRI) between both limbs is essential for maintaining a straight movement path. We aimed to examine the M-L GRF production across different running speeds in unilateral transfemoral amputees (TFA) to identify strategies for maintaining straight running. The average medial and lateral GRF, contact time (tc), M-L GRI, step width, and center of pressure angle (COPANG) were analyzed. Nine TFAs performed running trials at 100% speed on an instrumented treadmill. Trials were set at 30–80% speed with an increment of 10%. Seven steps from the unaffected and affected limbs were analyzed. Overall, the unaffected limbs exhibited a higher average medial GRF than the affected limbs. The M-L GRI were similar between both limbs at all speeds, implying that the participants were able to maintain a straight running path. The affected limb exhibited a longer tc and a lower M-L GRF profile than the unaffected limb. The results showed that unilateral TFAs adopted limb-specific strategies to maintain a straight running path, and that these limb-specific strategies were consistent across different running speeds.

Details

Title
Mediation of the mediolateral ground reaction force profile to maintain straight running among unilateral transfemoral amputees
Author
Tang, Ying Wai 1 ; Murai, Akihiko 2 ; Hobara, Hiroaki 3 

 University of Tokyo, Department of Human and Engineered Environmental Study, Kashiwa, Japan (GRID:grid.26999.3d) (ISNI:0000 0001 2151 536X); National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Human Augmentation Research Center, Kashiwa, Japan (GRID:grid.208504.b) (ISNI:0000 0001 2230 7538) 
 National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Human Augmentation Research Center, Kashiwa, Japan (GRID:grid.208504.b) (ISNI:0000 0001 2230 7538); PRESTO, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Kawaguchi, Japan (GRID:grid.419082.6) (ISNI:0000 0004 1754 9200) 
 Tokyo University of Science, Faculty of Advanced Engineering, Tokyo, Japan (GRID:grid.143643.7) (ISNI:0000 0001 0660 6861) 
Pages
7823
Publication year
2023
Publication date
2023
Publisher
Nature Publishing Group
e-ISSN
20452322
Source type
Scholarly Journal
Language of publication
English
ProQuest document ID
2813776403
Copyright
© The Author(s) 2023. This work is published under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ (the “License”). Notwithstanding the ProQuest Terms and Conditions, you may use this content in accordance with the terms of the License.