Athletes with Versus Without Leg Amputations: Different Biomechanics, Similar Running Economy.

Athletes with transtibial amputations use carbon-fiber prostheses to run. Compared to biological legs, these devices differ in structure and function, and yield affected leg running biomechanics that are theoretically more economical than those of non-amputees. However, experimental data indicate that athletes with unilateral and bilateral transtibial amputations exhibit running economy values that are currently well-within the range of non-amputee values.