The significant difference between the amputated and intact limb while standing may suggest that while the Ertl has shown physiological benefits postoperatively, functional asymmetries are still present between limbs.
While this study did provide insight into STS transitions in Ertl amputees, there were some limitations. To help paint a larger picture the differences in STS transitions in amputees, these data might be compared to data of Burgess amputees making STS transitions. This would help to shed some light into the postoperative functional disparities between the two amputations. A larger sample would be a helpful expansion on this research, especially in comparing the X range excursion between the intact and control limb (p=0.05) to see if it continues to show statistically significant differences. A final improvement on this study might be to standardize the foot placement of subjects. This standardization would help to take care of an unaccounted for variable that may alter these data.
A further question to pose from this experiment might be to compare the relative times during STS transitions that these maximum and minimum joint angles occur, as well as detecting in which direction the Y range excursion occurred in. It may also be beneficial to look further investigate the mechanics of a true ankle joint, and from there research ways to build a prosthetic ankle that is better able to mimic the fluidity and spring-like quality that a true ankle joint possesses. This study also shows the need for investigation into better strategies for transtibial amputees to make the STS transition in order to improve symmetry. Not only would an increase in symmetry look to reduce the risk for falls, but also to increase the overall confidence felt by the transtibial amputee in making STS transitions.
While this study did provide insight into STS transitions in Ertl amputees, there were some limitations. To help paint a larger picture the differences in STS transitions in amputees, these data might be compared to data of Burgess amputees making STS transitions. This would help to shed some light into the postoperative functional disparities between the two amputations. A larger sample would be a helpful expansion on this research, especially in comparing the X range excursion between the intact and control limb (p=0.05) to see if it continues to show statistically significant differences. A final improvement on this study might be to standardize the foot placement of subjects. This standardization would help to take care of an unaccounted for variable that may alter these data.
A further question to pose from this experiment might be to compare the relative times during STS transitions that these maximum and minimum joint angles occur, as well as detecting in which direction the Y range excursion occurred in. It may also be beneficial to look further investigate the mechanics of a true ankle joint, and from there research ways to build a prosthetic ankle that is better able to mimic the fluidity and spring-like quality that a true ankle joint possesses. This study also shows the need for investigation into better strategies for transtibial amputees to make the STS transition in order to improve symmetry. Not only would an increase in symmetry look to reduce the risk for falls, but also to increase the overall confidence felt by the transtibial amputee in making STS transitions.