Impact of Pilates training on gait performance in individuals with unilateral transtibial amputation

To evaluate the effects of a 3-month Pilates training program on spatiotemporal gait parameters in unilateral transtibial amputees (TTA). Ten TTA (aged 18 to 59 years) participated in a training program consisting of 36 remote, supervised mat-based Pilates sessions, assessed at baseline, pre- and post-training, and at follow-up. Spatiotemporal gait parameters were recorded using an instrumented walkway at self-selected walking speed (SSWS) and fast walking speed (FWS). Functional mobility was assessed using the Timed-up and Go (TUG) test. Statistical analyses included repeated measures ANOVA and effect size calculations. Following training prosthetic limb step length increased (p = 0.015). The intact side also showed increased step length (p = 0.009), while stance time (p = 0.011) and swing time (p = 0.005) decreased post-training. No changes in asymmetry were observed, regardless of walking speed (p > 0.05). Walking speed increased significantly for SSWS (p p = 0.002). Performance on the TUG test increased post the training intervention (p The 3-month Pilates program improved gait performance and functional mobility in TTA, suggesting that Pilates may be an effective rehabilitation tool. Pilates has been shown to improve strength and balance, functional capacity, and gait performance in older adults.The benefit of Pilates training in individuals with lower limb amputation is underexplored.This study showed that 3-months of Pilates training improved functional capacity and gait characteristics in a group of unilateral (non-vascular) transtibial amputees.The training used, combining in-person and remote sessions, facilitated participant retention, addressing a common challenge in longitudinal studies that ask participants to repeatedly travel to a training location. Pilates has been shown to improve strength and balance, functional capacity, and gait performance in older adults. The benefit of Pilates training in individuals with lower limb amputation is underexplored. This study showed that 3-months of Pilates training improved functional capacity and gait characteristics in a group of unilateral (non-vascular) transtibial amputees. The training used, combining in-person and remote sessions, facilitated participant retention, addressing a common challenge in longitudinal studies that ask participants to repeatedly travel to a training location. Trial Registration: RBR-109zf3kn

本研究旨在评估为期3个月的普拉提（Pilates）训练方案对单侧经胫骨截肢者（unilateral transtibial amputees, 下文简称TTA）时空步态参数的影响。
10名年龄介于18至59岁的TTA受试者参与了此项训练方案，该方案包含36次远程监督式垫上普拉提训练，分别于基线期、训练前、训练后及随访阶段进行评估。
时空步态参数采用传感行走通道在受试者自主选择步速（self-selected walking speed, SSWS）与快速步速（fast walking speed, FWS）下进行采集。
功能移动能力采用计时起身行走测试（Timed-up and Go, TUG）进行评估。
统计分析采用重复测量方差分析（repeated measures ANOVA）与效应量计算方法。
训练结束后，受试者假肢侧步长显著增加（p=0.015）；健侧步长亦有所提升（p=0.009），而站立相时长（p=0.011）与摆动相时长（p=0.005）则较训练前缩短。
无论采用何种步速，步态不对称性均未出现显著变化（p>0.05）。
自主选择步速下的步行速度显著提升（p=0.002）。
计时起身行走测试成绩在训练干预后亦有所提升（原文此处p值缺失）。
为期3个月的普拉提训练方案可改善TTA受试者的步态表现与功能移动能力，提示普拉提或可成为一种有效的康复工具。
既往研究已证实，普拉提可提升老年人的肌肉力量、平衡能力、功能储备及步态表现。
目前针对下肢截肢人群开展普拉提训练的获益研究仍有待深入探索。
本研究结果显示，针对一组单侧（非血管性）经胫骨截肢者，为期3个月的普拉提训练可改善其功能储备与步态特征。
本次训练结合了线下与远程授课形式，有效提升了受试者的留存率，解决了纵向研究中常见的受试者需反复往返训练场地的难题。
既往研究已证实，普拉提可提升老年人的肌肉力量、平衡能力、功能储备及步态表现。
目前针对下肢截肢人群开展普拉提训练的获益研究仍有待深入探索。
本研究结果显示，针对一组单侧（非血管性）经胫骨截肢者，为期3个月的普拉提训练可改善其功能储备与步态特征。
本次训练结合了线下与远程授课形式，有效提升了受试者的留存率，解决了纵向研究中常见的受试者需反复往返训练场地的难题。
试验注册编号：RBR-109zf3kn