Physical activity and quality of life in adults and elderly individuals with lower limb amputation

The aim of this study was to investigate the levels of physical activity (PA) and quality of life (QOL) in adults and elderly individuals with lower limb amputation (LLA).

This was a cross-sectional observational study. Participants completed three surveys as follows: a demographic survey, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life. Thirty-six individuals with lower limb amputation were separated into two different groups as follows: Adults-lower limb amputation (n=12), composed of individuals with lower limb amputation who aged from 18-59 years, and Elderly-lower limb amputation (n=24), composed of individuals with lower limb amputation who aged 60 years and above. Statistical differences were determined as p<0.05.

Age and number of individuals with a low level of functional independency were higher in the Elderly-lower limb amputation group (p<0.05). The International Physical Activity Questionnaire scores were reduced in the Elderly-lower limb amputation group (p<0.05). The Pearson's correlation test between low metabolic equivalent task (MET), time since amputation, and family income presented positive significant results in the Elderly-lower limb amputation (p<0.05). Adults-lower limb amputation just presents a positive significant correlation with the low family income (p<0.05).

Elderly individuals with lower limb amputation are more susceptible to present negative health outcomes than adults with lower limb amputation.