Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2025
06:58
A Structured Rehabilitation Protocol for Improved Multifunctional Prosthetic Control: A Case Study
Published on: November 6, 2015
9.5K
A Mixed-methods Study on Prosthesis Use Among Older Canadians With Lower-limb Amputations.
B Pousett1, C Budzinski2, D Labbé3,4,5
1Barber Prosthetics Clinic, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Canadian Prosthetics & Orthotics Journal
|August 24, 2023
Summary
Older adults with lower-limb amputations (LLA) exhibit varied prosthesis use post-rehabilitation, influenced by personal and environmental factors. Rehabilitation should address individual needs and common influencing factors for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric rehabilitation
- Prosthetics and orthotics
- Amputee care
Background:
- Increasing prevalence of lower-limb amputations (LLA) in older adults.
- Growing interest in factors influencing prosthesis use post-rehabilitation.
- Need for understanding resource allocation in geriatric rehabilitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- Examine prosthesis use patterns in older adults (over 50) with new LLA after rehabilitation.
- Identify factors that enhance or impede prosthesis use post-discharge.
- Characterize user profiles for tailored rehabilitation strategies.
Main Methods:
- Utilized StepWatch Activity Monitor and Prosthetic Profile of the Amputee Questionnaire.
- Conducted semi-structured interviews analyzed using the International Classification of Functioning and Disability.
- Assessed prosthesis use and influencing factors at 12 weeks post-rehabilitation discharge.
Main Results:
- Identified two distinct user profiles: 'Regular Users' and 'Strategic Users'.
- Prosthesis use varied, with 'Regular Users' integrating it broadly and 'Strategic Users' for specific tasks.
- Key influencing factors included body functions (pain), personal aspects (independence), and environmental elements (social support, home adaptations).
Conclusions:
- Older adults with LLA demonstrate diverse prosthesis usage patterns after rehabilitation.
- Factors affecting prosthesis use were consistent across identified user profiles.
- Rehabilitation teams should balance individualized patient goals with consideration of common influencing factors for effective prosthetic training.
