HIP EVALUATION OF TRANSFEMORAL AMPUTEES DURING ISOMETRIC CONTRACTION IN ISOKINETIC DYNAMOMETER

Introduction: Transfemoral amputation leads to a series of functional changes in the body biomechanics that can interfere with the daily life of the amputee, generating patterns of posture and gait to compensate for the loss of the limb. Objective: This study aims to evaluate and compare the muscular responses of the hip during isometric contractions in transfemoral amputees, using an isokinetic dynamometer. Method: The study included four volunteers, two amputees and two non-amputees. Evaluation was performed using an isokinetic dynamometer in isometric angles of 30 and 60 degrees of 10 seconds duration. Each series was made of six repetitions, composed by three pushups and three extensions with a 20 seconds interval between each sequence. Results: The amputated limb showed a lower peak torque compared to the non-amputee, both in flexion and in extension of the hip at 30 and 60 degrees. Conclusion: Due to amputation, individuals have less hip muscle strength, which may impair daily activities such as walking, sitting and standing, climbing and descending stairs.