Factors associated with mobility apprehension in persons with lower limb amputation

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Psychology
• Orthopedics

Background:

• Mobility apprehension is a significant concern for individuals with lower-limb amputations.
• Understanding factors influencing mobility apprehension is crucial for effective rehabilitation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between pain intensity, pain interference, and pain catastrophizing with mobility apprehension in people with lower-limb amputations.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study surveyed 53 individuals with lower-limb amputations.
• Validated scales measured mobility apprehension (Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia), pain's impact (Brief Pain Inventory), and pain catastrophizing.
• Multivariable linear regression analyzed the relationships between variables.

Main Results:

• Pain catastrophizing was the sole significant predictor of higher mobility apprehension (β=0.31, p<0.001).
• Each one-point increase in pain catastrophizing correlated with a 0.3-point increase in mobility apprehension.
• Pain intensity and interference were not significantly associated with mobility apprehension in this cohort.

Conclusions:

• Pain catastrophizing is a key factor associated with mobility apprehension in individuals with lower-limb amputations.
• Identifying and addressing pain catastrophizing behaviors is important for developing targeted physical rehabilitation programs.
• This highlights the role of psychological factors in managing mobility challenges post-amputation.