Beyond the 10-m time: a pilot study of timed walks in lower limb amputees

Objective: To investigate in a pilot study the use of extended walking times as an objective method of distinguishing differences in outcome in lower limb amputees. Setting: Sixteen lower limb amputees attending the prosthetic clinic. Method: Patients were asked to walk 100 m, turning every 20 m, using their usual walking aids and prostheses at their chosen walking speed. Demographic details and modified Stanmore/Harold Wood mobility grades, walking aids used and discomfort were recorded. Time to walk each 20 m up to 100 m was recorded. Statistical analysis was carried out using the Spearman rank order correlation coefficient. Results: There was a wide age range and differing causes of amputation. Five out of 16 subjects failed to complete 100 m and these had the slowest 20- and 40-m times. The mean time to walk 40 m was 41 seconds for those who were able to complete 100 m and 144 seconds for those who could not complete 100 m. All those with modified Stanmore/Harold Wood mobility grades less than four failed to complete 100 m. There was a high correlation between 20-, 40-, 60-, 80- and 100-m times and mobility grades, which was statistically significant, and between 20-, 40-, 60-, 80- and 100-m times. Conclusion: Forty-metre walking time can differentiate between those of mobility grades 4b-6 and those with lower mobility grades who are unable to walk significantly outside.