Normative ground reaction force data for able-bodied and trans-tibial amputee children during running.

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to develop normative ground reaction force data for able-bodied (AB) and trans-tibial amputee (TTA) children during running. Two hundred AB (mean age 9.4 years, range 7-12) and 21 TTA (mean age 11.1 years, range 5-17) children ran (2.2 m/s +/- 10%) over a force platform. Ground reaction force data were normalized, averaged within groups and plotted to produce force-time curves characterizing the different leg types (i.e. able-bodied, non-prosthetic and prosthetic). In addition, discrete variables characterizing the leg type differences were determined. One way ANOVA determined significant differences between variables and a TukeyB Post Hoc analysis defined which variables were significantly different (p < 0.05). Results generally indicated differences between the three leg types with the non-prosthetic leg indicating greater forces than the prosthetic and AB legs. The results of this investigation provide normative ground reaction force data for both AB and TTA children during running and can be used for comparison with other groups of children.