Abstract:Objective To analyze the gait characteristics of hip disarticulation amputees, and analyze the reasons for their differences from normal gait, so as to assist clinical diagnosis and evaluation. Methods Through the portable human motion capture device and plantar pressure analysis system, the kinematics and plantar pressure information of 5 hip amputees were collected and compared with 15 healthy volunteers in control group. Gait differences between the amputees and normal subjects and between the affected leg side and the healthy leg side of the amputees were compared. Results The proportion of double-support period for hip amuptees was higher than that of normal gait. Step length, step time, loading response period, mid support period, pre-swing period, proportion of the swing period for the affected leg side and healthy leg side of hip amputees showed significant differences with those of control group. The relative symmetry index of the gait for hip amputees was 0.60±0.05. Compared with the affected leg side, the support period of the healthy leg side was extended, the step length was shortened, the ground reaction force was greater than that of the affected leg side, and the center of pressure trajectory shifted to the affected leg side. Conclusions The gait of hip amputees is significantly different from that of normal people. Hip amputees have weak walking ability, poor gait symmetry, and they lack of continuity in the body’s center of gravity. The results provide experimental basis and theoretical analysis for the design of mechanical structure and control system of novel hip prosthesis.