Abstract: Objective To compare the walking ability between bilateral transtibial amputees and normal controls, and develope reference indexes of bilateral transtibial amptees' walking ability while wearing prostheses. Methods 11 bilateral transtibial amputees served as amputation group, 12 normal subjects served as controls. The indoor gait characteristics, outdoor time cost and energy consumption, and static balance of both groups were evaluated. Results After the indoor gait analysis, the average self-selected-speed of the amputees was 1.07 m/s, while the self-selected-speed of the normal people was 1.29 m/s. When the subjects walked with their self-selected-speed, there were significant differences in some of the gait spatial and temporal parameters between 2 groups (P<0.05). When the subjects walked on a specially designed 1 km outdoor trail, differences of energy consumption and time cost were also observed (P<0.05). Static balance presented no significant difference between 2 groups (P>0.05). Conclusion The walking ability of the bilateral transtibial amputees wearing prostheses is different from normal people. Quantitative evaluation of walking ability can provide more accurate reference for the rehabilitation of amputees.

Key words: bilateral transtibial amputation, walking ability, energy consumption, gait analysis, accelerometer