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Exercise programs to improve gait performance in people with lower limb amputation: A systematic review
Christopher Kevin Wong1, Julie E Ehrlich2, Jennifer C Ersing2
1Neurological Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA ckw7@columbia.edu.
Prosthetics and Orthotics International
|September 28, 2014
Summary
Exercise can improve gait speed in individuals with lower limb amputations. Functional training and resisted gait exercises show greater benefits than supervised walking, though evidence quality is low.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation science
- Biomechanics
- Prosthetics and orthotics
Background:
- Limited research exists on exercise's impact on gait performance in amputees.
- Gait speed is a key performance indicator for lower limb prosthetic users.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review exercise program effects on gait performance in lower limb amputees.
- To evaluate the evidence quality for exercise interventions in this population.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review of studies published through June 2013 was conducted.
- Six databases were searched following Cochrane Collaboration guidelines.
- Eight studies reporting on exercise interventions for gait speed were included.
Main Results:
- Low-quality evidence supports exercise for improving self-selected gait speed.
- Eleven exercise programs showed small to large effect sizes in gait speed improvements.
- Functional training and resisted gait exercises were more effective than supervised walking.
Conclusions:
- Exercise interventions, particularly functional and resisted gait training, can enhance gait speed in lower limb amputees.
- A 'B' grade recommendation supports using exercise for this purpose.
- High-quality research is needed to strengthen the evidence base.
