Muscular activity comparison between non-amputees and transfemoral amputees during normal transient-state walking speed.

RESEARCH QUESTION:Would there be differences in muscle activation between healthy subjects' (HS) dominant leg and transfemoral amputees' (TFA) intact-leg/contralateral-limb (IL) during normal transient-state walking speed? METHODS:The muscle activation patterns are obtained by calculating the linear envelope of the EMG signals for each group. The activation patterns/temporal changes are compared between-population using statistical parametric mapping (SPM). RESULTS:Individual muscle activity showed significant differences in all muscles except vastus lateralis (VL), semitendinosus (SEM) and tensor fascia latae (TFL) activities. SIGNIFICANCE:The information could be used by the therapists to prevent secondary physical conditions and prosthetic companies to improve the mobility of the amputees.