Comparison of Running Ability between Daily Use- and Running Specific Prosthesis for the Selection of Prosthetic Foot and Training Methods among Young Users

Abstract

Asymmetry of the body in a unilateral lower limb amputee can be a cause of secondary motor dysfunction such as osteoarthritis. However, effective training methods for prevention of these secondary disorders are not known. The purpose of this study was to propose training methods and the selection of a prosthetic foot for the safe use of running specific prostheses (RSP)．We conducted a 32-week prospective study to record the changes in physical ability due to training and time differences in the 50-m sprint of a 19-year old unilateral transtibial amputee who aspired to be a sprinter. The training method focused on improving muscle strength, balance, and flexibility. Training for improving the performance of running skills were not conducted the main objective of the study was to improve the symmetry of the subject's body. The subject's 50-m sprint time before and after training changed from 7.99 to 6.81 seconds using C-shaped RSP, and from 8.27 to 6.65 seconds using daily use prosthesis (DUP)．As we did not observe any significant differences in time between the use of either DUP or RSP, we postulated that the factor influencing the records was not the type of the prosthetic foot used, but rather muscle strength, balance, and flexibility. Improvement of these physical abilities are also effective in the prevention of sports injuries. Previous studies have reported a higher risk of sports injuries occurring to the intact limb of lower limb amputees rather than to the prosthetic limb or able-bodied limbs. Thus, it is necessary to carefully consider the use of RSP in junior high and high school students during their growth period.