Lower limb strength in sports-active transtibial amputees.

Full Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare hip strength in sports-active transtibial (TT) amputees, sedentary TT amputees and sports-active non-amputees. Three 'active' (exercising recreationally at least three times per week) TT amputees, four 'inactive' or sedentary TT amputees and nine 'active' able-bodied persons (AB) underwent concentric and eccentric hip flexion and extension strength testing on both limbs on an isokinetic dynamometer at 60 and 120 degrees /s. Little strength asymmetry was noted between the limbs of the active TT amputees (8% and 14% at 60 and 120 degrees /s, respectively), their residual limb being slightly stronger. Inactive TT amputees demonstrated up to 49% strength asymmetry, their intact limb being the stronger. Active TT amputees demonstrated greater peak hip torques (Nm/kg) for all conditions and speeds compared to inactive TT amputees. Peak hip torques (Nm/kg), were greater in the active TT amputees' residual limb compared to AB. While inactive TT amputees and AB had similar flexion/extension ratios, active TT amputees exhibited a lower ratio indicating overdeveloped hip extensors with respect to their hip flexors. It is not known whether this is due to the demands of sport or exercise with a prosthetic limb, or remaining residual thigh atrophy.

Author information

Author/s: Nolan, Lee (L);

Affiliation: Karolinska Institute and GIH, Biomechanics and Motor Control, Stockholm, Sweden. lee.nolan(-atsign-)gih.se

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Comparative Study; Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Prosthetics and orthotics international (Prosthet Orthot Int), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Sep; vol 33 (issue 3) : pp 230-41

Dates: Created 2009/08/06; Completed 2009/10/30;

PMID: 19658013, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 10/30/2009, IMS Date: )

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