Unilateral above-knee amputees achieve symmetric mediolateral ground reaction impulse in walking using an asymmetric gait strategy

The ability to sustain steady straight-ahead walking is one goal of gait rehabilitation for individuals with unilateral above-knee (UAK) amputation. Despite the morphological and musculoskeletal asymmetry resulting from limb loss, mediolateral ground-reaction-impulse (GRI) should be counterbalanced between affected unaffected limbs during walking. Therefore, we investigated strategies ground-reaction-force (GRF) generation adopted by UAK prosthesis users along a straight path. GRFs 15 participants amputation were measured Then, GRI, stance time, mean GRF phase compared. To better understand strategy, statistical-parametric-mapping (SPM) was applied assess phase-dependent difference two limbs. results showed that can achieve symmetric GRI adopting an asymmetric strategy: shorter time higher over than limb. In addition, analysis using SPM revealed generates medial component limb, especially single-support phase. Thus, may allow are similar those Further insights on these mechanics serve as guidelines improved design prosthetic devices needs users.