Don't know about most used, but in my team we used standard force plate (Kistler) for assessing the balance with conection to motion analysis system (BTS Bioengineering).

There are several areas that have to be addressed: gait on level surfaces, gait on uneven surfaces like gravel, and gait on varying inclines. Usually this can be done by observation without special tools. Additionally when runners are involved a comparative measurement of vertical excursion on the sound and normal sides using appropriate tools would be very helpful.

For balance we use the biosway to quantify postural sway and limits of stability. Also the activities balance confidence scale questionnaire is used a lot to look at individual perception of balance capabilities. Another test that has items on it that look at balance and mobility is the amputee mobility predictor.

I would say the choice essentially boils down to the measurement approach. It can be looked from a “systems” perspective or from a “functional” approach. The systems approach is predominantly instrumented (with a commercial equipment) while the functional approach may or may not be instrumented.

To my understanding, static balance measurement (eyes open/closed with Kisler®, AMTI® or other equivalent) and some dynamic balance measurement such as Sensory Organization Test/Motor Control Test with Equitest or Modified Sensory Integration of Balance with Equitest®/BioSway® or any other equivalent will give insights from a “systems” perspective.

Further detailed information on this can be found in this review:

Instrumented measurement of balance and postural control in individuals with lower limb amputation: a critical review. Jayakaran P et al, International Journal of Rehabilitation Research: September 2012; 35(3):187-96

Assessment of mobility (a functional approach) could be done at varied levels as below;

1. Objective measurements such as a simple timed up-and-go test or 2Minute shuttle walk may be of interest. Suggested further reading on this:

Reliability of Outcome Measures for People With Lower-Limb Amputations: Distinguishing True Change From Statistical Error. Resnik L et al, Physical Therapy April 2011; 91(4): 555-565.

2. Therapist/interviewer administered scales (semi-objective)

3. Self-perceived mobility capability - self administered (predominantly subjective)

Further information on this can be found here:

Lower Limb Prosthetic Outcome Measures: A Review of the Literature 1995 to 2005. Condie E et al, Journal of Prosthetics & Orthotics: January 2006; 18 (6): P13-P45

Hope this helps!

Thanks everyone for your valuable suggestions...

BBS is valid and reliable tool to assess balance in ll amputee.. Check the following link for the study publish in year 2013

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/23856150/

@ Dhara, Thanks for the input...

About this topic, tests that aim to the functional capacity of the subject have a great relevance, given that balance and mobility are subsystems of the physical function. In this context, the "L Test" is a great tool, given that it was designed speciffically for people with lower-limb amputation.

Check the paper published in 2005.

Regards.

Article The L Test of Functional Mobility: Measurement Properties of...

Dear Sergio, thanks for the valuable input...

Dear Ratan,

I refer you to the following articles:

http://ptjournal.apta.org/content/82/9/856.full

http://share.eldoc.ub.rug.nl/FILES/root2/2012/Mobiinelp/Fortington_2012_J_Am_Med_Direct_Assoc.pdf

http://cre.sagepub.com/content/15/1/92.abstract

Dear Hashim, thanks for the links...