Background: Hip muscle strengthening was recommended for the above-knee amputee patients and expected gait correction. However, effectiveness of this training was not clearly described.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of hip muscles strengthening exercise on gait performance in the above knee amputees.

Materials and Methods: The unilateral above-knee amputees aged between 25 to 70 years old were invited into the study. All participants were K level 2 to 4 and independent without gait aid. Exercise program included isokinetic training of hip muscles of the amputated leg was performed in the rehabilitation center twice a week for three weeks. Outcome measures included pre- and post-exercise gait analysis and peak torque of hip muscles of the amputated leg.

Results: Eight subjects were included in the present study. Gait analysis showed no significant change between pre- and postexercise of comfortable walking speed, step length, and cadence (p>0.05). There was a significant reduction (50%) in pelvic tilting amplitude (p<0.05). Post-exercise mean peak torque of the all hip muscles significantly increased from pre-exercise in all hip muscle groups.

Conclusion: A 3-week isokinetic training program of hip muscles improved hip strength and pelvic control during gait. However, there was no significance change of gait speed, step length, and cadence.

Keywords: Isokinetic, Hip muscle strengthening, Gait analysis, Above knee amputee

Received 23 Sep 2019 | Revised 19 Dec 2019 | Accepted 21 Dec 2019