Cycling in people with a lower limb amputation.

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Prosthetics and Orthotics
• Sports Science

Background:

• Cycling participation is crucial for physical and mental well-being.
• Lower limb amputation (LLA) can present unique challenges to mobility and recreational activities.
• Understanding factors influencing cycling in individuals with LLA is essential for promoting active lifestyles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the prevalence of cycling among adults with LLA in the Netherlands.
• To identify barriers and facilitators impacting cycling participation in this population.
• To determine predictors of cycling behavior after lower limb amputation.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 207 adults with LLA in the Netherlands.
• Questionnaires collected data on prosthetic use, individual characteristics, amputation details, and cycling-related factors.
• Logistic regression analysis identified predictors of cycling participation.

Main Results:

• 68% of participants with LLA reported cycling, primarily for recreation (80%).
• Key facilitators included a dynamic prosthetic foot (OR: 5.2) and a higher number of perceived facilitators (OR: 1.3).
• Presence of other underlying diseases negatively predicted cycling (OR: 0.4).

Conclusions:

• The majority of adults with LLA in the Netherlands engage in cycling, mainly for recreation.
• A dynamic foot, supportive facilitators, and absence of comorbidities are associated with increased cycling likelihood.
• Personal motivation and mobility levels are suggested as key factors for enhancing cycling participation post-amputation.