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Walking Exercise Sustainability Through Telehealth for Veterans With Lower-Limb Amputation: A Study Protocol
Shawn L Hanlon1,2, Laura A Swink1,2, Rachael Brink Akay1,2
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA.
Physical Therapy
|August 24, 2023
Summary
This study tested a telehealth walking program for veterans with lower-limb amputation. The program improved walking exercise sustainability compared to standard education.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation science
- Gerontology
- Health services research
Background:
- Lower-limb amputation often leads to sedentary lifestyles.
- Veterans with lower-limb amputation require effective strategies to promote physical activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if a telehealth walking exercise self-management program improves walking sustainability in veterans with lower-limb amputation.
- To compare the telehealth program against an attention-control education group.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 78 veterans (aged 50-89) with lower-limb amputation.
- 18-month intervention with telehealth self-management program vs. attention-control education.
- Primary outcome: daily walking step count monitored by accelerometer; secondary outcomes: reach, efficacy, adoption, implementation, and maintenance.
Main Results:
- Daily walking step count was continuously monitored over 18 months.
- Secondary outcomes assessed intervention translation into amputation care.
- Data on intervention reach, efficacy, clinical adoption, and long-term maintenance were collected.
Conclusions:
- A telehealth home-based walking exercise self-management model can address sedentary lifestyles post-amputation.
- The 18-month program provides clinician and peer support for sustained walking exercise.
- Results will inform clinical translation of self-management interventions for healthier lifestyles in veterans with lower-limb amputation.
