Development and validation of the Persian Prosthesis Embodiment Scale for Lower Limb Amputees

To investigate the psychometric features of the Persian version of the recently introduced Prosthesis Embodiment Scale for Lower Limb Amputees (PEmbS-LLA), as well its revised form.

In this cross-sectional study, the translation process for the PEmbS-LLA followed internationally recommended guidelines. Scale reliability was determined by assessing internal consistency and test-retest reliability (after two weeks) using Cronbach's alpha and Spearman's correlation coefficients, respectively. The validity was evaluated using the Persian Trinity Amputation and Prosthetic Experience Scales (TAPES). We compared our findings to that obtained in a German sample.

With a total of 126 persons with lower limb amputation participating in the study, the Persian PEmbS-LLA showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha ≥0.79) and test-retest reliability (Spearman's Rho ≥0.83). There were small to moderate correlations between the Persian PEmbS-LLA and TAPES subscales. Factor analysis revealed only one component with eigenvalue larger than 1, explaining 69.72% of the variance and suggesting unidimensionality. The PEmbS-LLA total score in the Iranian sample was significantly lower than in the German sample (p < 0.01).

The Persian PEmbS-LLA is a valid and reliable instrument. Interpretation of significant differences in prosthesis embodiment between the samples requires further research.