BLADE KINETICS OF A UNILATERAL PROSTHETIC ATHLETE IN CURVE SPRINTING

Abstract

In athletics sprinting longer than 100 m, athletes will run more than 50% in a curve. No data on ground reaction forces or joint kinetics of prosthetic curve sprinting can be found in the scientific literature. The purpose of this study was to analyze GRFs and moments acting on the prosthesis’ blade using a 3D motion capture system and four force plates. A left sided unilateral amputee athlete (knee exarticulation) of highest international level, ran 30 m straight and curved clockwise and counter clockwise. GRFs show differences between curve and straight running. Results show different loading applied to the blade of a prosthesis when curve running in comparison with straight running. The study gives an inside into the kinetics of amputee curve running and might affect the construction and design of future prosthesis generations as well as performance diagnostics.