Harness-supported versus conventional treadmill training for people with lower-limb amputation: A preliminary report

People with chronic lower-limb amputation (LLA) often present with altered walking abilities compared with healthy peers. Repetitive step training on a treadmill using a harness is a task-oriented approach that may improve function. The goal of this pilot study was to determine the effects of treadmill training with harness support (SUP) versus treadmill training without harness support (NoSUP) for persons with LLA. Eight participants with unilateral LLA participated, four in the SUP group and four in the NoSup group. The participants walked on a treadmill for 30 minutes, three times a week for 4 weeks. Evaluations were performed at baseline and 1 and 4 weeks after intervention. Outcome measures included the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and gait changes during training. Overall, 6MWT distance and TUG improved (p < 0.05); no differences were found between the SUP and NoSUP groups (p > 0.05). Compared with baseline, the 6MWT distance increased 25% at 1 week and 32% at 4 weeks and TUG improved 13% at both 1 and 4 weeks (p < 0.05). Improvements were also noted in walking speed and step length variability (p < 0.05). We suggest that participation in a treadmill locomotor training program maximizing time spent on walking is an effective means of improving function many years after an LLA.