Lower limb inter-joint coordination of unilateral transfemoral amputees: Implications for adaptation control

Zhi Xu, Duo Wai Chi Wong, Fei Yan, Tony Lin Wei Chen, Ming Zhang, Wentao Jiang, Yubo Fan

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

9 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The gait of transfemoral amputees can be made smoother by adjusting the inter-joint coordination of both lower limbs. In this study, we compared the inter-joint coordination of the amputated and non-amputated limbs of unilateral amputees to able-bodied controls. Eight amputees and eight able-bodied control participants were recruited. Walking speed, stance-swing time ratio, joint angle, joint angular velocity, and inter-joint coordination parameters-including continuous relative phase (CRP) and decomposition index (DI)-of the lower-limb joint pairs in stance and swing phases were investigated. Similarity of the CRP between groups was evaluated using cross-correlation measures and root-mean-square, and the variability of the CRP was examined by deviation phase (DP). There were significant differences between the amputated limbs and controls in CRP of hip-knee and knee-ankle in stance and swing, DP of knee-ankle and hip-ankle in stance, and DI of hip-knee in swing. For the non-amputated limbs, there were significant differences in CRP and DP of knee-ankle, and DI of hip-knee in swing compared to controls. The amputees utilized unique inter-joint coordination patterns for both limbs-particularly the hip joint-to compensate for the support-capability impairment due to limb salvage and ensure foot placement accuracy.

Original languageEnglish
Article number4072
JournalApplied Sciences (Switzerland)
Volume10
Issue number12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jun 2020

Keywords

  • Amputee gait
  • Compensation strategy
  • Continuous relative phase
  • Decomposition index
  • Inter-joint coordination
  • Phase portrait

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Materials Science(all)
  • Instrumentation
  • Engineering(all)
  • Process Chemistry and Technology
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Fluid Flow and Transfer Processes

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Lower limb inter-joint coordination of unilateral transfemoral amputees: Implications for adaptation control'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this