Comparison of Gait Characteristics in Individuals With Above and Below Knee Limb Loss

Comparison of Gait Characteristics in Individuals With Trans Femaoral and Trans Tibial Limb Loss

Twelve individuals with above knee limb loss, 12 individuals with below knee limb loss,15 healthy individuals will be participants of the study. Participants with lower limb loss will evaluate with the following assessment tools: Demographic datas; age, gender, height, body mass will be recorded. Gait parameters (step length, variation of step length, time on each foot, ambulation index) will evaluate with Gait Trainer Biodex 2, at participant's preferred speed.

Twelve individuals with above knee limb loss, 12 individuals with below knee limb loss,15 healthy individuals who were referred to receive amputee rehabilitation at Hacettepe University, Faculty of Health Sciences, department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Prosthetics and Biomechanics unit, and healthy individuals will be the subjects of this study.

Participants will evaluate with the following assessment tools: Demographic datas; age, gender, height, body mass will be recorded. Gait parameters (step length, variation of step length, time on each foot, ambulation index, gait speed) will evaluate with Gait Trainer Biodex 2, at participant's preferred speed. To eliminate the learning effect, participants practiced at treadmill to determine appropriate gait speed. Once participants implied the preferred speed, they asked to walk at their self selected speed for 6 minutes. Data was recorded between the 4nd and 6th minutes at walk.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Individuals with unilateral above knee lower limb loss and below knee limb loss
• Age between 20-55 years
• Using conventional type socket design Dynamic foot using

Exclusion Criteria:

• Have passive joint limitation at extremities
• Surgery at last 1 year
• Systemic problems such as neurological disorders, rheumatoid disorders
• Another orthopedic anomalies