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Recreational activities of lower-limb amputees with prostheses
M W Legro1, G E Reiber, J M Czerniecki
1VA Center of Excellence for Limb-Loss Prevention and Prosthetic Engineering, RR&D, Seattle, WA 98108, USA. Marcia.Legro@med.va.gov
Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development
|July 7, 2001
Summary
Individuals with lower-limb amputations can perform most high-importance recreational activities with their prostheses. High-energy activities present more challenges, highlighting the need for personalized prosthetic choices.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Prosthetics and Orthotics
- Kinesiology
Background:
- Lower-limb amputation significantly impacts an individual's ability to participate in recreational activities.
- Prosthetic technology aims to restore function, but user preferences and activity demands are crucial for successful integration.
- Understanding the range of desired activities is essential for optimizing prosthetic prescription.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey individuals with lower-limb amputations regarding their preferred recreational activities.
- To assess the performability of these preferred activities based on prosthetic use.
- To inform prosthetic prescription decisions by understanding amputees' activity needs.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to 92 individuals with lower-limb amputations who regularly used prostheses.
- Participants reported on preferred recreational activities and their perceived ability to perform them.
- Data were analyzed to identify activity types, importance levels, and performance rates.
Main Results:
- A wide variety of 166 recreational activities were identified among participants aged 20-87 years.
- 74%-88% of high-importance activities were reported as performable.
- Moderate to low importance activities and high-energy activities were less frequently reported as performable.
Conclusions:
- The diversity of preferred recreational activities among lower-limb amputees is substantial.
- Activity importance and energy requirements influence prosthetic performance.
- Incorporating patient-reported activity preferences into prosthetic prescription is vital for enhancing quality of life.