Events Calendar

Roy J. Carver Department of Biomedical Engineering Graduate Seminar (BME:5010)

Anne Silverman, PhD
Associate Professor
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Colorado School of Mines

"Low Back Biomechanics in People with a Lower-Limb Amputation"

Abstract: Neuromuscular impairment can result in numerous secondary conditions and mobility deficits.  For example, people with a lower-limb amputation are characterized by asymmetry in movement kinematics, a greater risk of falling, and a higher prevalence of joint disorders compared to people without amputations.  Secondary conditions such as joint degeneration and pain that develop over time are likely at least partly due to changes in movement biomechanics after amputation. Specifically, people with a lower-limb amputation have a high prevalence of low back pain relative to the general population, which often develops shortly after amputation and has been suggested to result from altered biomechanics.  Using a musculoskeletal modeling and simulation approach, we have quantified low back kinematics and loading during movements that are important for mobility and independence. The results of these analyses suggest potential contributing factors to the degeneration of spinal tissues, which may result in the development of low back pain in this population over time.  This approach can be extended to evaluate prosthetic device interventions and inform potential targets for movement retraining and rehabilitation.