A KINEMATICAL AND KINETICAL ANALYSIS ON THE SWING PHASE OF AMPUTEE GAIT

Abstract

The authors investigated the swing phase of the transfemoral and transtibial amputees by using optical motion capture system. The thigh, shank foot were modeled as a three-linked rigid segment model. Kinematical parameters, such as joint angle, angular velocity/acceleration and linear acceleration of the center of mass were also calculated by the obtained coordinates of the anatomical landmark markers. Using the inverse dynamics, the kinetical parameters, such as the joint force and torque acting at each joint were calculated. The authors focused on the initiation of the swing phase caused by the force at both the hip and knee joints. In addition, the relationships between the internal/external rotation and the abduction/adduction of the lower extremity during the swing phase was also discussed in this study.