Prosthetics and Orthotics: A Review of Literature

Regaining walking ability is one of the most prominent goals in the rehabilitation program following lower-limb amputation. Walking ability in this context relates to a natural, symmetric, sustainable gait. The ability to monitor walking ability and evaluate gait patterns during the fitting and rehabilitation process is fundamental to achieving these goals. Walking function can be assessed qualitatively through visual assessment, recall questionnaires, or video. Quantitative measures of gait typically occur in a laboratory setting whereby a motion capture system (optical or accelerometry-based) captures the movements (kinematics) of the individual. Other tasks of daily living can be assessed, including stair climbing, squatting, and rising out of a chair. It is worth noting here that there is an increasing need to assess gait and function outside of the laboratory, in realistic everyday environments, monitoring both quantity and quality of gait.