Pedaling Forces Normalized to Body Weight in cyclists with a Unilateral Transtibial Amputation

Persons with lower limb amputation may be on weight-bearing restrictions following amputation. Cycling provides a method for rehabilitation within a limited body weight environment. Pedal force data obtained from studies on intact cyclists and cyclists with uni-lateral trans-tibial amputation were used to calculate forces normalized to body weight on the shank or residual limb segment and then related to power output. Linear regression was used to develop models describing this relationship. Results show that patients operating within power outputs typical in rehabilitation will experience compressive forces below 30% body weight. Therefore, we conclude that cycling may be safely utilized as a rehabilitation modality for patients on weight-bearing restrictions.