Lower Extremity Joint Kinematics of Stair Ascent in Transfemoral Amputees

Background: Stair ascent is a very demanding task for transfemoral amputees (TFAs). The purpose of this study was to investigate the lower extremity joint kinematics of TFAs who can climb stairs using a step-over-step gait pattern without an active artificial prosthetic knee joint or handrail use.

Case Description And Methods: Case series. Participants were two traumatic TFAs and 10 control participants. Both TFAs used a single-axis prosthetic knee joint in daily living. Sagittal plane joint kinematics were recorded at 60 Hz using an eight-camera motion analysis system and digital video camera.

Findings And Outcomes: From the instant of touchdown, the prosthetic knee joint was rapidly extended and remained fully extended until toe-off. In the latter half of the stance phase, the knee and ankle joints of the sound limb simultaneously showed rapid joint flexion during continuous extension. Further, the ankle joint of the sound limb showed greater plantarflexion at the end of the stance phase.

Conclusion: These results suggest that the TFA in the present study would (1) extend the prosthetic knee joint to prevent the knee flexion generated by the bodyweight (plus ground reaction force and/or joint moment), and (2) lift the whole body in an upward direction using strong counter-movements and greater joint extension during the stance phase.