The effects of gait training with visual feedback on motor outcomes in Individuals with lower limb amputations

Approximately 120,000 lower limb amputations are performed each year, and vascular diseases account for 70% (Davis et al., 2004). Many people with amputations regain their mobility using prosthetics, however, their gait patterns are significantly changed. Altered gait patterns such as asymmetrical loading and asymmetrical stance time can increase the risk of developing musculoskeletal complications (Lemaire et al., 1994). In addition to orthopedic compromises, many people with lower limb amputations undergo challenging issues associated with their balance. Exercise can help people with amputations improve their gait. A reduction in gait asymmetry has been documented with the implementation of exercise in amputees (Lloyd et al., 2010). Real time visual feedback has been shown to improve gait efficiency by diminishing energy consumption while walking at a steady pace on a treadmill along with reduced heart rate and improved in asymmetry (Davis et al., 2004). The use of a visual feedback system may be an effective way to retrain gait. The Biodex Gait Trainer Treadmill has been used to assess and train gait performance in those with neurological gait dysfunctions. Instant visual feedback has been demonstrated to be effective in improving gait patterns among people with hemiparesis (Chen et al., 2004). No research has examined the use of gait trainer with instant visual feedback as a form of retaining gait patterns in people with unilateral lower limb amputations. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of treadmill gait programs with and without visual feedback in individuals with lower limb amputations. A total of 4 participants were recruited for the study. The adults participated in an intervention for a total of 15 sessions. The program consisted of a warm up, 30-minute treadmill walk and a cool down. Participants were measured for kinematic gait parameters, spatial-temporal variables, balance variables and quality of life. Although there were no consistent patterns with the groups after the intervention, individual changes in kinematic, spatial-temporal, balance and quality of life variables presented individual improvements based on each participant’s current condition. These trends imply that a visual feedback treadmill exercise is an effective way to maintain and improve gait parameters, balance and quality of life in individuals with unilateral lower limb amputations.