Clinical Research Directory

Impact of Anterior Load Carriage on Gait in Individuals With Transfemoral Amputation

This monocentric prospective crossover study aims to evaluate the impact of anterior load carriage on gait performance in individuals with unilateral transfemoral amputation using a prosthesis. Participants will complete three randomized walking conditions during a single assessment session: no load, a light anterior load corresponding to 7.5% of body weight simulating child carrying, and a heavier anterior load corresponding to 15% of body weight simulating a utility load. Gait performance, biomechanical adaptations, physiological cost of walking, perceived exertion, and prosthetic comfort will be assessed using instrumented gait analysis and standardized clinical measures. The study seeks to improve understanding of how daily load-carrying tasks affect mobility and balance in prosthetic users and to provide evidence for rehabilitation strategies and prosthetic management.