Sprinting with an amputation: Some race-based lower-limb step observations

Abstract

Background: T44 sprinting with an amputation is still in a state of relative infancy. Future scope for athletic training and prosthetic limb development may be assisted with a better understanding of information derived from T44 athletes when under race-based conditions.

Objectives: To investigate the behaviour of step count and step frequency when under competitive conditions.

Study design: The study comprises two elements: (1) a video-based analysis of race-based limb-to-limb symmetry and (2) a video-based analysis of race-based step count.

Methods: Video analysis of several major events from 1996-2012 are assessed for step count and step limb-to-limb symmetry characteristics.

Results: The video analysis highlights limb-to-limb imbalances greater than those indicated in the previous literature. A low step count is determined to be desirable for success in the 100-m event.

Conclusion: Future analysis of athletes with a lower-limb amputation would be worthwhile when placed under race-based conditions as the limb-to-limb behaviour is more exaggerated than those seen in typical studies held within a laboratory setting. The within-event behaviour of step counts requires further investigation to establish where these take place or whether it is a cumulative step length issue.

Clinical relevance: This article increases the understanding of the race-based behaviour of amputee athletes and provides more information to contribute to any discussions on the performance of lower-limb prostheses.

Keywords: Sport with a disability; amputee; sprinting.