Factors related to indoor prosthetic use in individuals with unilateral lower limb amputation

The rate of indoor prosthetic use in people with lower limb amputation (LLA) is lower than that of outdoor use. Very few studies of indoor prosthetic use have been conducted, and no studies have focused on the perspective of instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs).

To assess the indoor prosthetic use of individuals with unilateral LLA from the perspective of IADLs.

Cross-sectional study.

A total of 162 people with LLA participated in this study. Based on the information obtained from a questionnaire and medical records, the relationships between each outcome and indoor prosthetic use were assessed by univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Of the 110 respondents (72.8%), 6 participants did not use the prosthesis or used it for cosmesis. With respect to the prosthetic users (n = 104), 74 (71.2%) used their prosthesis indoors and outdoors and 30 (28.8%) used it only outdoors, but none used it indoors only. On univariate analysis, five items were identified: household size, amputation level, domestic chores and outdoor activities of the Frenchay Activities Index, and difficulty donning/doffing the prosthesis. Small household, transtibial amputation, and a high score on the domestic chores of the Frenchay Activities Index (cutoff value 9.0 points) were independently associated with indoor prosthetic use.

Training of motions that are desirable to use the prosthesis and participation in domestic chores frequently based on IADLs before hospitalization may increase the frequency of prosthesis use in people with transfemoral amputation who use their prosthesis outdoors.