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Association between cardiovascular diseases and mobility in persons with lower limb amputation: a systematic review
Sara Kaptein1, Jan H B Geertzen1, Pieter U Dijkstra1,2
1a Department of Rehabilitation Medicine , Center for Rehabilitation, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen , Groningen , The Netherlands.
Insights
Cardiovascular diseases in individuals with lower limb amputation are linked to poorer mobility and a reduced likelihood of becoming a prosthetic walker. Further research is crucial for optimizing rehabilitation strategies.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Cardiology
- Prosthetics
Background:
- Lower limb amputation frequently co-occurs with cardiovascular diseases, potentially impacting recovery.
- Reduced cardiac function in these patients can complicate post-amputation rehabilitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the association between cardiovascular diseases and mobility outcomes in individuals with lower limb amputation.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive search of four databases was conducted for studies published before August 2016.
- Studies were identified using keywords related to amputation, cardiovascular diseases, and mobility.
- Inclusion criteria were applied to titles, abstracts, and full-text articles.
Main Results:
- Ten studies met the inclusion criteria.
- Cardiovascular diseases were associated with cardiac complications during rehabilitation.
- Seven studies indicated that cardiovascular diseases decrease the likelihood of prosthetic walking and negatively affect mobility outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Evidence on the impact of cardiovascular diseases on mobility post-amputation is varied.
- Cardiovascular diseases are linked to reduced prosthetic walking success and poorer mobility.
- High-quality research is needed to inform pre- and post-amputation rehabilitation for individuals with cardiovascular disease.
Purpose:
Persons requiring a lower limb amputation often have cardiovascular diseases that reduce cardiac function, which may complicate recovery and rehabilitation after an amputation. This systematic review analysis the association between cardiovascular diseases and mobility in persons with a lower limb amputation.
Method:
Four databases were searched for studies published before August 2016 using database-specific keywords and synonyms for amputation, cardiovascular diseases and mobility. Assessment of the publications was performed based on predefined criteria; first title and abstract and thereafter the full text.
Results:
Of the 1704 titles and abstracts, 51 full texts were assessed. Ten studies were included. Cardiovascular diseases were associated with cardiac complications during rehabilitation. Prosthetic training improved cardiac function. Seven studies showed that cardiovascular diseases were associated with a smaller chance of becoming a prosthetic walker, and with poorer mobility outcomes.
Conclusion:
Evidence for effects of cardiovascular diseases on mobility in persons with a lower limb amputation is heterogeneous. Cardiovascular diseases reduce the chance of becoming a prosthetic walker and reduce mobility outcomes after a lower limb amputation. More research with adequate quality about cardiovascular diseases in persons requiring a lower limb amputation is needed, to enable informed choices in the pre- and post-amputation rehabilitation. Implications for rehabilitation Data about the effect of cardiovascular diseases on mobility in persons with a lower limb amputation is limited. More research about cardiovascular diseases in persons requiring a lower limb amputation is needed, to enable informed choices in the pre- and post-amputation rehabilitation.
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