Residual limb strength and functional performance measures in individuals with unilateral transtibial amputation.

Background: Individuals with lower limb amputation exhibit lower residual limb strength compared to their sound limb. Deficits in residual limb knee flexion and extension strength may impact functional performance during tasks relevant to daily living.

Research Question: Does knee flexor and extensor strength in the residual limb impact functional outcome measures, such as walking energetics and performance metrics, in individuals with unilateral transtibial amputation?

Methods: Fourteen individuals with traumatic unilateral transtibial amputation were recruited for this observational study.

Effect of Custom Carbon Ankle-Foot Orthosis Use on Energetic Demands of Walking and Comparisons With Individuals With Amputation.

Objective: To compare the metabolic demands of walking in individuals with lower limb injury with and without ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) use. A secondary aim was to compare these results with those from individuals with unilateral transtibial amputation (TTA) and able-bodied controls.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Effect of Sex and Ankle Brace Design on Knee Biomechanics During a Single-Leg Cut.

Background: Despite success at preventing ankle sprain, prophylactics that restrict ankle plantarflexion motion may produce deleterious knee biomechanics and increase injury risk.

Purpose: To determine if ankle prophylactics that restrict plantar- and dorsiflexion motion produce changes in knee biomechanics during a single-leg cut and whether those changes differ between sexes.

Study Design: Controlled laboratory study.

Effectiveness of Novel Ankle Prophylactic Compared With Lace-Up Brace or Tape.

Context: Conventional ankle prophylactics restrict harmful ankle inversion motions that lead to injury. But these existing prophylactics also limit other ankle motions, potentially leading to detriments in functional joint capacity. The ankle roll guard (ARG) may alleviate the prevailing issues of existing ankle prophylactics and prevent harmful ankle inversion, while allowing other joint motions.