Impact of Footwear on Gait in Unilateral Transtibial Amputees

People with transtibial amputations often rely on footwear that is comfortable, practical, and compatible with their prosthetic device. Although footwear is known to influence walking mechanics in the general population, there is limited evidence regarding its effects on gait in people who use lower limb prostheses. This study aims to investigate the impact of different footwear types on gait performance, stability, and comfort in adults with unilateral transtibial amputations.

Fifteen participants aged 18 to 65 years who use an energy-storing-and-return (ESAR) prosthetic foot will be recruited. Participants must be able to walk independently without a walking aid.

Each participant will attend a laboratory-based testing session at the University of Salford. Reflective markers will be placed on the body and prosthesis to allow three-dimensional motion analysis. Participants will also wear an in-shoe pressure measurement system.

Participants will complete a series of walking tasks while wearing four footwear conditions: their own preferred footwear, an Oxford shoe, a running/walking shoe, and a shoe with a forefoot rocker profile. The order of the footwear conditions will be randomised. Walking tasks will include straight-line walking, walking on an incline and decline, and walking along an S-shaped path involving turns.

Outcome measures will include gait speed, stride length, cadence, prosthetic foot clearance, stance phase duration, ground reaction forces, ankle power variables, and plantar pressure measurements. Participants will also rate the comfort and stability of each footwear condition using visual analogue scales and provide additional comments about their experience.

Data will be analysed to determine whether footwear type influences gait performance, stability, and perceived comfort in people with unilateral transtibial amputations. The findings may contribute to future clinical guidance and footwear recommendations for prosthetic users.

Inclusion criteria

• Individuals with a unilateral transtibial amputation.
• Age 18 to 65 years.
• Participants must use an energy-storing and return (ESAR) prosthetic foot.
• Able to walk and stand without the use of walking aids.
• Absence of comorbidities known to impact balance and mobility.

Exclusion criteria

• Bilateral amputees or individuals with amputation levels other than transtibial.
• Individuals under 18 years or over 65 years of age.
• Use of any prosthetic foot type other than ESAR.
• Individuals unable to provide informed consent.