Strength deficits in lower limb prosthesis users: A scoping review.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Science
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Prosthetics and Orthotics

Background:

• Muscle weakness is a significant factor in balance, mobility, and endurance impairments among lower limb prosthesis users.
• Existing literature on strength deficits in this population is growing but lacks a comprehensive summary.
• Understanding these deficits is crucial for guiding rehabilitation strategies and future research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize reported strength deficits in individuals using lower limb prostheses.
• To explore potential causes, consequences, and solutions for these strength deficits.
• To inform clinical practice and research directions in the field of prosthetics.

Main Methods:

• A systematic scoping review of relevant literature was conducted.
• Biomedical databases were searched to identify pertinent studies.
• Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to select studies aligned with the review's objectives.

Main Results:

• Out of 377 identified publications, 12 met the inclusion criteria.
• Strength deficits, specifically lower peak torque, were observed in the knee flexors and extensors of the transtibial residual limb.
• Transfemoral prosthesis users exhibited reduced strength in hip muscles compared to controls and their intact limb.

Conclusions:

• The reviewed literature confirms the presence of strength deficits in lower limb prosthesis users.
• These deficits are linked to impairments in balance, mobility, and endurance.
• Further research is needed to investigate alternative strength metrics, clinical assessments, and the direct causal relationships with functional limitations.