%VO2max as an indicator of prosthetic rehabilitation outcome after dysvascular amputation

In this study, independent ambulation of at least 100 metres with/without a cane was regarded as successful prosthetic rehabilitation. The subjects were classified into two groups according to this criterion at the time of discharge. The successful group attained this performance, the other group failed to reach this level. The successful group included 8 unilateral trans-femoral amputees aged 72.2 +/- 2.1 years who underwent amputation at more than 70 years, and succeeded in walking with a prosthesis. The group which failed included 9 unilateral trans-femoral amputees aged 63.2 +/- 2.1 years who underwent amputation between the ages of 60-65 years, and had great difficulty in walking with a prosthesis. The purpose of this research was to investigate whether or not %VO2max as an indicator of physical fitness is useful in predicting prosthetic rehabilitation outcome after dysvascular amputation by comparing these two groups. Evaluation of physical fitness was conducted before the subjects began prosthetic rehabilitation. Information about each subject before fitting with a prosthesis was collected retrospectively from clinical charts made during admission. The successful group were capable of strenuous exercise, reaching the intensity of 50% VO2max or more. In the group which failed only one reached the intensity of 50% VO2max. The working capacity of 50% VO2max or greater would appear to be a valid initial guideline level of physical fitness at which an amputee can expect to succeed in walking with a prosthesis. Apart from physical fitness, a lesser number of comorbidity, good ability to stand on the remaining leg, and a strong will to walk were found to be important factors contributing to successful prosthetic rehabilitation. This study also showed that age alone was not an important factor.