The influence of weight and starting height on lifting mechanics in lower extremity amputees

This study compares the lifting mechanics of lower extremity amputees to controls and describes the influence of weight lifted and starting height on lifting style. Subjects included three individuals with transtibial amputation (TTA), two individuals with transfemoral amputation (TFA), and three able-bodied controls (CO). Amputee subjects performed six repetitions of six weights, randomly ordered, from two starting heights. TTA lifted from 30 cm and knee height, TFA from knee and thigh height, and controls from all three heights. Data were obtained from a work simulator, force plate, and a motion analysis system, with starting posture index, lateral sway index, lift duration, synchrony index, and hip moments and elbow moments as dependent measures. The results for each lifting height were analyzed using a mixed model repeated measures MANOVA to test for group and weight differences and post hoc tests were applied when appropriate. Results suggest that healthy lower extremity amputees who have had a number of years to adjust to their prosthesis and develop compensatory strategies can complete a repetitive lifting task at a performance level very similar to able-bodied controls. The most consistent, group differences detected were in the timing parameters: synchrony and duration. TTA and TFA tended to lift with less synchronization of hip and knee movements than able-bodied controls and to initiate the lift with their upper bodies. In contrast, able-bodied controls tended to move their upper and lower bodies more synchronously during the lift. TTA had longer lift durations than CO. In terms of stability and moments generated, TTA lifted very similarly to controls. TFA used a different lifting style that involved higher moments and more use of the upper body, particularly for lifts of heavier weights. TFA appeared to be less stable than CO, while TTA did not appear to be less stable than CO.