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Metabolic analysis of male servicemembers with transtibial amputations carrying military loads. Barri L. Schnall, MPT; Erik J. Wolf, PhD; Johanna C. Bell, MSE; Jeffrey Gambel, MD; Carolyn K. Bensel, PhD. Aim
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Metabolic analysis of male servicemembers with transtibial amputations carrying military loads Barri L. Schnall, MPT; Erik J. Wolf, PhD; Johanna C. Bell, MSE; Jeffrey Gambel, MD; Carolyn K. Bensel, PhD
Aim • Examine metabolic requirements of servicemembers with transtibial amputation (TTA) wearing loaded rucksack and walking at steady speeds. • Relevance • For servicemembers who have amputations and wish to return to Active Duty, performing common military tasks, such as marching with loads, is essential.
Methods • Tested 12 servicemembers with unilateral TTA and 12 uninjured controls. • Walked on treadmill at 2 walking speeds (1.34 and 1.52 m/s) while carrying 32.7 kg load. • Oxygen consumption was recorded.
Results • Injured servicemembers showed significantly higher metabolic demand than controls: • 8.5% at 1.34 m/s. • 10.4% at 1.53 m/s.
Conclusions • Energy consumption for servicemembers with TTA is significantly greater than for uninjured servicemembers. • However, results may not be clinically relevant. • Compared with previous civilian data: • These participants are less burdened by their injury and perform closer to their uninjured counterparts. • Servicemembers with TTA may be able to resume former duty assignments or remain on Active Duty in new roles.