Detailed Description:

The long-term focus of this research is to investigate an uneven terrain training paradigm as an intervention to improve locomotor skill and confidence in lower limb prosthesis users; specifically to determine whether by inducing step-to-step variability in a safe environment, through training on an uneven terrain surface, individuals may develop more adaptable gait, and greater confidence in their mobility. We hypothesize that inducing a manageable level of variability into walking patterns during training will lead to greater balance, locomotor flexibility, and balance confidence. The surface has shallow contours that alter foot-ground interactions at each step, disrupting habitual movement patterns. The aim of this study is to establish feasibility, acceptability and preliminary efficacy of the uneven surface as a mobility training tool for lower limb prosthesis users. Ambulatory lower limb prosthesis users will attend a biomechanics laboratory on two occasions, during which they will complete walking practice sessions on a flat surface and on an uneven surface. A crossover design will be employed, with walking surface order randomized across participants. Preliminary efficacy will be established based on functional tasks and self-efficacy questions administered before and after the sessions on each day. Feasibility and acceptability will be established based on feasibility study objectives from Orsmond & Cohn's feasibility framework.}}