Effects of Handrail and Cane Support on Energy Cost of Walking in People With Different Levels and Causes of Lower Limb Amputation

ObjectiveThe energy cost of walking with a lower limb prosthesis is higher than able-bodied and depends on both cause level amputation. This increase might partly be related to problems balance control. In this study we investigated what extent can reduced by providing support through handrail or cane how amputation.DesignQuasi-experimental study.SettingRehabilitation gait laboratory.ParticipantsTwenty-six people amputation were included: 9 vascular 17 nonvascular causes, 16 at transtibial, 10 transfemoral knee disarticulation (N=26).InterventionsParticipants walked treadmill without overground cane.Main Outcome MeasuresEnergy was assessed using respirometry.ResultsOn the treadmill, resulted in 6% reduction average. effect attributed an 11% those attributable whereas group did not show significant difference. No interaction found. Overground, no main found, although demonstrated small nonsignificant decrease (3%) (6%) when cane. The positively correlated self-selected speed.ConclusionsThis demonstrates that external contribute due causes ability while more challenging condition treadmill. Although it speculated control, will need further investigation.