PROSTHETIC LIMB VERSUS INTACT LIMB TAKE-OFF IN THE AMPUTEE LONG JUMP

Abstract

This study investigated whether selected kinematic parameters in the amputee long jump were influenced by the choice of take=aff leg (prosthetic or intact). Seven male transfemoral (TF) and seven male trans-tibial (TT) amputees competing in a World Championships final were video filmed at 100 Hz in the sagittal plane. Selected kinematic variables at touch-down onto the take-off board were computed to define postural characteristics influencing take-off. The TT athletes who took off from their prosthetic limb were able to control their downward velocity at touch-down, as demonstrated by ablebodied athletes, while the TT athletes who took-off from their intact limb could not. Thus, for TT athletes there appears to be some advantage in taking off from their prosthetic limb. The TF athletes were less able to control their downward velocity than the TT athletes. Only one athlete took-off from his prosthetic limb and used a different technique to the rest of the group. Despite possible advantages for this athlete, it is likely that a long jump take-off on the prosthetic limb would lead to higher forces acting through the stump and a greater risk of injury.