Comparing Running-Specific and Traditional Prostheses during Running: Assessing Performance and Risk
Abstract
Objectives: Returning to running is a main goal of many military Service members after they have a lower limb amputation because they want to reach their highest level of function and/or to return to duty. Individuals with lower extremity amputation (ILEA) may run with running-specific prostheses (RSPs) or traditional prostheses (designed for walking). RSPs are assumed to have advantages over running with traditional prostheses, but no direct comparisons of people running with both prosthesis designs have been made. Additionally, some research has shown that running with prostheses may put ILEA at greater risk for injury than people without amputations. This research has focused on injury risks when running with RSPs, but it is unknown whether these risks are amplified or reduced when running with traditional prostheses. Consequently, direct comparisons of RSPs and traditional prostheses during running are needed to guide clinicians and administrators on both performance and injury risks related to training with and using these devices for recreation and/or combat. Therefore, the purpose of this project is to provide clinical, administrative, and field-relevant objective running outcomes by directly comparing running biomechanics of ILEA using RSPs and traditional prostheses across a wide range of speeds. Specifically, we aim (1) to compare RSPs and traditional prostheses with respect to running ability and performance and (2) to compare RSPs and traditional prostheses with respect to injury risks associated with running. In order to do this, we will have ILEA run at six different speeds on a treadmill when wearing their own RSP and again wearing their own traditional prosthesis. They will also run three 50m dashes at maximal effort to test how fast they can run in each prosthesis. An uninjured control group will also be tested for comparison. Applicability: More than 1,570 military Service members have sustained major amputations since the conflicts in the Middle East began in 2001. This project will help all people with lower limb amputations (both civilian and military members) who wish to run. It will give information on which type of prosthesis is best (or identify if there are no differences) for running at a range of speeds with respect to performance and injury risk. It will also help Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) clinicians and administrators make decisions about the best prosthesis to prescribe for running in order to maximize performance and reduce injury risks for Service members and Veterans who want to achieve their highest functional level or return to duty. The risks to this study are the same as those risks involved in running (i.e., muscle and joint soreness, fatigue, blisters, or injury from tripping and falling). This study is projected to last 3 years, and the outcomes will be immediately available for use after that time. Preliminary results are expected to be available earlier. Military Benefit: Improving our understanding of performance advantages, limitations, and injury risks when running with prostheses will help guide military clinicians and administration to determine which prostheses are most appropriate for exercise, training, and deployment. ILEA in return-to-duty scenarios will not have the luxury to change prosthetic limbs on short or no notice in the field. Service members with amputation returning to combat situations will have to march, run, or sprint in the prosthesis they are wearing at the time, which will most likely be a traditional design. Furthermore, the DoD and VA systems aim to return injured Service members to their highest possible level of functioning, and running is a primary goal of functional achievement for many Service members and Veterans with amputations. Identifying both performance aspects and injury risk variables of each prosthesis design will aid clinicians in optimizing training techniques and presc
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Apr 04, 2016
- Source ID
- W81XWH1510518
Entities
People
- Brian S. Baum
Organizations
- Regis University
- United States Army