The Investigations of Core Muscles, Gait, Balance and Proprioception in Transtibial Amputees

Investigations of The Relationship Between Core Function Aand Endurance, Gait Speed, Balance, and Proprioception in Transtibial Amputees

The goal of this observational study is to investigate the effects of transtibial amputation on core function and endurance, and their relationship with proprioception, balance, and gait in adults with transtibial amputation and healthy controls.

The main questions it aims to answer are:

Do individuals with transtibial amputation show reduced core function and endurance compared to non-amputees?

Is there a relationship between core function/endurance and proprioception, balance, and gait performance in transtibial amputees?

Researchers will compare individuals with transtibial amputation to non-amputee individuals to see if there are significant differences in core endurance, posture, and functional abilities.

Participants will:

Perform tests to assess core function and muscular endurance

Undergo evaluations of proprioception, balance, and gait

Inclusion Criteria (for Amputee Group):

• Age between 18 and 50 years
• Unilateral transtibial amputation
• Use of a prosthesis for at least 6 months
• Medicare Functional Classification Level (MFCL) of K2 or higher (indicating the ability to ambulate in the community)
• Willingness to participate and provide informed consent

Inclusion Criteria (for Control Group):

• Age between 18 and 50 years
• Willingness to participate and provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria (for Amputee Group):

• Presence of any neurological disorder
• Presence of any mental health disorder
• Any orthopedic condition (other than amputation) within the past 12 months
• Pregnancy
• Use of a walking aid (e.g., cane, walker)

Exclusion Criteria (for Control Group):

• Presence of any neurological disorder
• Presence of any mental health disorder
• Any orthopedic condition within the past 12 months
• Pregnancy
• Use of a walking aid (e.g., cane, walker)