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Cardiorespiratory fitness in persons with lower limb amputation
Loeke van Schaik1, Ilse J Blokland2,3, Klaske van Kammen1
1University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Groningen.
Summary
Cardiorespiratory fitness is significantly lower in individuals with lower limb amputation (LLA) compared to able-bodied individuals. Age was the only significant factor predicting lower cardiorespiratory fitness in this population.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
- Clinical Biomechanics
Background:
- Individuals with lower limb amputation (LLA) often exhibit reduced cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF).
- Understanding CRF in LLA is crucial for optimizing rehabilitation and daily functioning.
- Increased energy expenditure is required for ambulation with LLA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the cardiorespiratory fitness of individuals with LLA during rehabilitation.
- To identify demographic and clinical factors influencing CRF in persons with LLA.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study utilizing cardiopulmonary exercise test data.
- Measured cardiorespiratory fitness via O2 peak (ml/min/kg) using breath-by-breath gas analysis.
- Multivariate regression analysis explored factors like age, BMI, amputation level, and medication.
Main Results:
- 74 participants with LLA (84% male, mean age 58.9) were analyzed.
- Mean O2 peak was 14.6 ± 4.1 ml/kg/min, lower than able-bodied reference values.
- Only age was a significant predictor of lower O2 peak (regression coefficient: -0.15).
Conclusions:
- Cardiorespiratory fitness in individuals with LLA is generally low.
- CRF is not strongly associated with most analyzed demographic or clinical factors.
- Individual assessment of CRF is recommended for personalized rehabilitation strategies.
