Abstract:
Microprocessor-controlled prosthetics knees are highly developed and allow above-knee amputees to perform daily tasks as well as able-bodied. However, microprocessor-controlled prosthetics are not financially practical for all. Very few investigations have focused on un-powered mechanical prosthetics for above-knee amputees when it comes to comparing the bilateral muscle activity. Surface electromyographical (EMG) was used to measure the muscle activity of 8 different muscles on both amputated and non-amputated sides while completing 5 daily routine tasks in one participant with a unilateral transfemoral amputation who used a mechanical prosthetic knee. After averaging each muscle for all the tests, the results indicated that the leg muscles on the amputated side averaged 34% lower mean EMG microvolts than the non-amputated side. The gluteus medius, lumbo-sacral erector spinae and external oblique muscles on the amputated side had higher mean microvolts than the non-amputated side (20%,6%, 9%) possibly trying to compensate for the weaker muscles in the amputated leg. The pectoralis major, gluteus maximus and rectus abdominis showed no major lateral muscular imbalance (2%, 2%, 2%).
