The biomechanics of cycling with a transtibial amputation: Recommendations for prosthetic design and direction for future research.

Full Abstract

People with amputations may find cycling advantageous for exercise, transportation and rehabilitation. The reciprocal nature of stationary cycling also makes it a viable model for research in motor control because the body is supported by the saddle allowing the researcher to focus on the cyclic movement of the legs without the confounding variable of balance. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the cycling task in intact cyclists and relate this information to understanding the challenges faced by cyclists with transtibial amputations (CTA). Ongoing research into the biomechanics of CTAs will be summarized to expose the differences between intact and CTA cycling mechanics, asymmetries between limbs of CTAs as well as neuromuscular adaptation following amputation. The article will include recommendations for prosthetic design and modification of the bicycle to improve cycling performance for CTA at all experience levels.

Author information

Author/s: Childers, W Lee (WL); Kistenberg, Robert S (RS); Gregor, Robert J (RJ);

Affiliation: School of Applied Physiology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332-0356, USA. lee(-atsign-)gatech.edu

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

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

Reference: 2009-Sep; vol 33 (issue 3) : pp 256-71

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

PMID: 19658015, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 10/30/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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