The Effects of Clinical Pilates Training on Balance and Walking in Lower Limb Prosthesis Users

Basic gait parameters include walking speed, step length and cadence will be evaluated.

The tandem walk test (TWT) is a physical performance test used to assess balance and coordination. During the TWT, the individual is asked to walk a straight line, placing the heel of one foot directly in front of the toes of the other foot. This creates a "tandem" or heel-to-toe gait. The individual is instructed to take as many steps as possible along the line without stepping off or losing balance. The TWT is typically performed over a distance of 3-5 meters, and the time it takes the individual to complete the test is recorded.

The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) is a widely used clinical assessment tool that is used to measure an individual's ability to maintain balance during different functional tasks. The BBS consists of 14 different tasks that assess different aspects of balance, including sitting unsupported, standing unsupported, transferring from sitting to standing, standing with eyes closed, standing with feet together, turning 360 degrees, reaching forward, retrieving objects from the floor, and stepping up and down on a stool.

Each task is scored on a 5-point scale, with a maximum score of 56 points. The scores for each task are summed to obtain a total score, which provides a measure of the individual's overall balance performance. Higher scores indicate better balance performance, while lower scores indicate greater difficulty maintaining balance.

The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) is a simple and widely used clinical tool to assess the exercise capacity and functional status of a person. It involves measuring the distance a person can walk on a flat surface in 6 minutes at their own comfortable pace.

The general steps involved in performing a 6MWT:

The person is given instructions on how to perform the test, which includes walking as far as they can within 6 minutes without running.

The person is allowed to rest for a short period of time (usually 10-15 minutes) before the test begins.

The person is asked to walk back and forth along a marked 30-meter course or a long hallway.

The person's oxygen saturation level, heart rate, and blood pressure are monitored before and after the test.

The total distance covered by the person in 6 minutes is measured. The test will be performed in a controlled environment, such as a clinic, and is supervised by a specialised physiotherapist.

The core muscle endurance test is a measure of the endurance of the muscles of core, which includes your abdominal muscles, back muscles, and pelvic muscles. The test is typically used to evaluate core strength and muscular endurance. To perform the core muscle endurance test, a timer and a mat is needed. These steps should be followed:

Lie down on your back on the mat with your arms at your sides and your knees bent.

Lift your feet off the ground so that your knees are at a 90-degree angle. Raise your head and shoulders off the mat, keeping your chin tucked and your neck relaxed.

Hold this position for as long as you can, keeping your knees at a 90-degree angle and your feet off the ground.

Stop the timer when you can no longer maintain the position or when your form begins to suffer.

The test measures the time you can hold this position, with longer times indicating greater core muscle endurance. A good score for the test varies depending on age, sex, and fitness level.

SF-36 (Short Form 36) is a questionnaire used to measure health-related quality of life. Shorter version of the SF-12 questionnaire and contains 36 questions that assess eight health concepts, including physical functioning, role limitations due to physical health, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, role limitations due to emotional problems, and mental health.