Longitudinal Study of Quality of Life in Individuals with Lower Limb Amputation

Assessment of quality of life (QOL) is essential in evaluating rehabilitation outcomes for individuals with lower limb amputation (LLA). However, there are few longitudinal studies of QOL over extended periods. This study reports the findings of a third QOL survey conducted in 2021 using the Japanese version of the Prosthetic Evaluation Questionnaire (PEQ-J), following previous surveys in 2003 and 2011.

The survey targeted 254 individuals with LLA who had received prosthetic limbs from our center. Questionnaires were mailed, and responses were analyzed using the PEQ-J. Results were compared with those from previous surveys. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to assess statistical significance.

Responses were received from 129 participants (response rate: 51%): 101 males and 28 females, with a mean age of 62.8 ± 14.8 years. Causes of amputation were trauma (n=83), disease (n=44), and others (n=2). The present survey had more older participants than the previous surveys. Fifty-seven individuals responded to both the 2011 and 2021 surveys. The most notable changes were observed in psychological domains. Sex-based differences in "Perceived Response" observed in 2011 were not present in 2021. Moreover, differences in "Frustration" and "Social Burden" related to time since amputation were no longer observed.

Our findings suggest that psychological adaptation may evolve over time, reducing disparities previously associated with sex and amputation duration. Advanced prosthetics and the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games may have effected improvements in QOL in individuals with LLA.