Researchers conducted an experimental study to compare the effects of wearing standard alignment prostheses while barefoot at home, and visual alteration on static balance and pressure distribution in individuals with unilateral transfemoral amputations or transtibial amputations.
Forty-four participants with unilateral transtibial amputations and 37 individuals with unilateral transfemoral amputations were included in the study. Balance and load distribution were assessed using MatScan pressure platforms, both with a heel support and barefoot.
Balance parameters were disrupted in all groups when in an eyes closed position, the study found. Using heels reduced anterior-posterior and medial-lateral sway in the group with transtibial amputations during eyes closed. When standing barefoot with eyes open, the transfemoral amputation group had more load on the rear foot of the prosthetic foot and less load on the forefoot than the transtibial amputation group. The opposite pattern was observed in the intact foot. Using heels in the group with transtibial amputations increased the load on the front of the intact side and the rear of the prosthetic side.
