Impairment Variables Predicting Activity Limitation in Individuals with Lower Limb Amputation

• DOI: 10.3109/03093640903585008
• Publication Date: 2010-06-18T15:32:33Z
• Authors: Michele A. Raya; Robert S. Gailey; Ira M. Fiebert; Kathyrn E. Roach
• Keywords: Adult; Aged, 80 and over; Male; Age Factors; Artificial Limbs; Middle Aged; Prognosis; Prosthesis Design; Amputation, Surgical; Cohort Studies; 03 medical and health sciences; Amputees; Lower Extremity; Predictive Value of Tests; Activities of Daily Living; Humans; Female; Muscle Strength; 0305 other medical science; Postural Balance; Aged; Probability

The purpose of this study was to determine whether measures impairment (i.e., muscle strength, balance), personal factors comorbidities, demographic information) and amputation specific variables time since amputation, cause level amputation) were able predict performance on the six-minute walk test, a measure activity limitation, in individuals with lower limb amputation. A total 72 ranging age from 21-83 tested for balance, strength function. Medical comorbidities recorded limitation measured using test. Data analyzed multivariate relationships examined multiple linear regression. Impairment subject demographics, all significant predictors explained 72% variance outcome variable. Strength hip extensors strongest predictor, accounting 30.9% variance. Multiple impact six minute scores Impairments balance appear be two most significant. findings support use test underscore impairments musculoskeletal system that can affect ambulation ability amputee.