Is There a Difference in Gait Between an Upper Extremity Trans-Humeral Amputee vs. a Non-Amputated Individual?
Date of Award
Spring 6-26-2024
Document Type
Non Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics
Department
Kinesiology
First Advisor
Amy Funke
Abstract
This study examines gait between individuals who have no amputations and persons with upper extremity trans-humeral amputations. The study consisted of twenty participants, ten of which are upper extremity amputees and ten being non-amputated individuals. The participants in this study are 18 years of age or older and a mix of both males and females. The participants performed a gait analysis test walking 10 meters over six force plates. During the gait analysis tests, participants had retroreflective stickers placed on them for motion capturing technology. Differences in gait are expected between persons with trans-humeral amputations than individuals with no amputations. This would impact the prosthetic community to integrate gait training and to the insurance companies the accessibility needed for persons with trans-humeral amputations.