Improvement of gait using a simple motion analysis device in patients with transfemoral prosthesis: A case report

Abstract

We report a case of a femoral prosthesis patient whose gait improved using a simple motion analysis device. A forty-seven-year-old male came to the office to repair his prosthesis after 3 years using the prosthesis. The range of motion of the hip joint was restricted, and the center of gravity was displaced backward, making it difficult to move the center of gravity forward. When the movement of the center of gravity was confirmed using a simple motion analysis device (Waltwin^®), the center of gravity moved only to the midfoot after the prosthesis side heel touched down. The standing time with the prosthesis was 29.9%. We practiced walking using this device. One month after the start of the practice, the standing time on the prosthesis improved to 39.4%, and the center of gravity could be moved to the forefoot. Since the simple motion analysis device can evaluate walking easily and objectively and give guidance to the patient while confirming the position of the center of gravity in real time, it may be a useful tool for improving walking even in patients with artificial legs.