Biomechanical gait analysis for a hip disarticulation prosthesis: power source for the swing phase of a hip disarticulation prosthetic limb

• Published in: Journal of Physical Therapy Science Vol. 35; no. 5; pp. 361 - 365
• Main Authors: Kawaguchi, Tsukasa, Yamada, Takumi, Iwashita, Kodai
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Japan The Society of Physical Therapy Science 01.01.2023; Japan Science and Technology Agency
• Subjects: Biomechanics; Gait; Hip disarticulation prosthetics limb; Hip joint; Original; Prostheses; Biomechanics; Gait; Hip disarticulation prosthetics limb
• ISSN: 0915-5287; 2187-5626
• DOI: 10.1589/jpts.35.361

[Purpose] This study aimed to clarify the power source for the swing phase of a hip disarticulation prosthetic limb using biomechanical gait analysis. [Participants and Methods] In this cross-sectional study, six participants who underwent hip disarticulation and seven healthy adults were recruited. Their gaits were assessed using the three-dimensional motion analysis and four force plates. [Results] From pre-swing to initial swing, the angle of the lumbar spine’s angle changed by 9° from the flexion to extension positions. However, the power of the lumbar spine was <0.003 W/kg for the entire gait cycle. The peak value of joint moment and hip joint power on the unaffected side were 1 nm/kg and 0.7 W/kg, respectively. From pre-swing to initial swing, the prosthetic limb is pushed forward by extension of the hip joint on the intact side, while the spine returns to the flexion direction. [Conclusion] The hip extension force on the unaffected side was the main force responsible for swinging out the prosthesis, not the lumbar vertebrae’s force.