Amputee Gait Analysis & Training
The ability for Physiotherapists to observe and analyse gait is crucial to ensure the amputee is trained to use their prosthesis to their fullest potential. This assessment is made simpler by sound theoretical knowledge on the limitations of amputee gait patterns, as well as the functionality of certain prosthetic components. Observing and objectively assessing gait abnormalities can confirm or eliminate potential causes of those abnormalities, allowing targeted intervention to improve strength, skill, balance or endurance, as required.
Gait deviations in lower limb amputees can be broadly broken into patient and prosthetic causes:
- Patient Causes:
- Muscle weakness
- Contracture
- Pain
- Decreased confidence in the prosthesis or residual limb
- Habitual / learned behaviours
- Prosthetic Causes:
- Prosthetic malalignment
- Poor fitting prosthetic socket
The pages and presentations within this portal will provide an overview of amputee gait patterns, followed by tips and ideas for correcting abnormalities. There is also information on commonly used assessment tools, as well as links on where to find further information.
For more information on different prosthetic components, please see our Prosthetics Portal.