Effect of Walking Speed on Gait Parameters and Energy Expenditure in Individuals with Unilateral Trans-tibial Amputatio

Background and Objectives: Analysis of gait parameters and energy expenditure in different walking speeds in trans-tibial amputees has been less investigated. This may provide an insight into how they respond to it. The main aim of this study was to investigate the effect of walking speed changes on gait parameters and metabolic energy consumption in unilateral trans-tibial amputees using the prosthesis. Methods: Thirty trans-tibial amputees fulfilling inclusion criteria were investigated for gait parameters using a ten-meter walk test while these subjects walked with three different walking speeds (comfortable, fast, and slow). Temporal-spatial gait parameters, such as step length, stride length, velocity and cadence, and Physiological Cost Index (PCI) for metabolic energy consumption were analyzed by repeated-measures ANOVA. Results: Step length of a prosthetic side in the fast walking speed (0.67±0.10 m) was higher than the normal comfortable speed (0.56±0.13 m) and least in slow walking (0.42±0.06 m). A similar trend was observed for all gait parameters. PCI (beats/m) was least in normal comfortable speed (0.08±0.09), followed by fast walking speed (0.11±0.08). It was highest when patients walked at a slow speed (0.18±0.12). There was a significant difference in all temporal-spatial gait parameters and PCI in three walking speed conditions (p<0.05). Conclusion: Walking speed significantly affected all temporal-spatial and energy parameters in unilateral trans-tibial amputees.