Abstract
This study was undertaken to test a hypothesis that a normal gait (NG) taken even under the restriction of an above-knee prosthesis causes less discomfort, fatigue and energy-expenditure as compared with an abnormal gait (ANG) similarly taken under the restriction of a above-knee prosthesis. [Study 1] Purpose and Method : To test the hypothesis, the subject was asked to wear an above-knee prosthesis on the leg, and to perform a NG, lateral bending gait (LBG) or vaulting gait (VG) in a room. Subject : The subjects consisted of six males. Results : It appeared that the LBG is the least stressful and requires the least energy expenditure, but this was not verified statistically. [Study 2] Purpose and Method : To test the hypothesis, a leg-amputated subject was asked to attach an above-knee prosthesis on his stump leg, and to perform an NG, LBG, VG, or abduction gait (ABDG) in a room as in Study 1. Subjects : The subjects consisted of nine males. Results : The Energy expenditure in LBG and ABDG was lower than those in NG. However these was not verified statistically. [Study 3] Purpose and Method : To determine, based on subjective responses from leg-amputated subjects dependent on above-knee prostheses for gait obtained through a questionnaire, what type of gait imposes the least exertion. Subjects : The subjects consisted of 85 persons who had received above-knee amputation. Result : About 90% of the subjects responded that ANG imposes the least fatigue. From the above results, it was concluded that, for the majority of above-knee amputated persons dependent on above-knee prostheses for gait, a NG requires a great deal of effort and energy-expenditure.
