Can transtibial amputees walk symmetrically at normal speed without altering muscle timing

Forward dynamic simulations of transtibial amputee gait were developed to assess whether amputees can produce a natural, symmetric gait pattern using non-amputee muscle excitation timing. Simulations showed that symmetrical walking at the nominal speed studied (1.5 m/s) was possible with increased rectus femoris (RF) and soleus (SOL) activity in the intact limb, and with uniarticular knee (VAS) and hip (GMAX) extensor activity in the prosthetic limb. All other muscles excitations could remain unchanged. These results were consistent with previous analyses that identified the compensatory muscles above as the primary contributors to forward progression.