Optimizing Gait Rehabilitation for Veterans With Non-traumatic Lower Limb Amputation

Summary

The population of older Veterans with non-traumatic lower limb amputation is growing. Following lower limb amputation, asymmetrical movements persist during walking and likely contribute to disabling sequelae including secondary pain conditions, poor gait efficiency, impaired physical function, and compromised skin integrity of the residual limb. This study seeks to address chronic gait asymmetry by evaluating the efficacy of two error-manipulation gait training programs to improve gait symmetry for Veterans with non-traumatic lower limb amputation. Additional this study will evaluate the potential of error-manipulation training programs to improve secondary measures of disability and residual limb skin health. Ultimately, this study aims to improve conventional prosthetic rehabilitation for Veterans with non-traumatic amputation through gait training programs based in motor learning principles, resulting in improved gait symmetry and lower incidence of long-term disability after non-traumatic lower limb amputation.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

* Unilateral, non-traumatic, transtibial amputation
* Diabetes mellitus and/or peripheral artery disease
* Able to ambulate in the community without assistive device
* Step length asymmetry during walking (\>1.0 asymmetry index.)
* 6 months since amputation

Exclusion Criteria:

* Unstable heart condition
* Including unstable angina, uncontrolled cardiac dysrhythmia, acute myocarditis, hypertension, and acute pericarditis
* Acute systemic infection
* Active cancer treatment
* Traumatic or cancer related amputation etiology

Conditions4

Locations2 sites

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