Prosthesis satisfaction and quality of life in US service members with combat-related major lower-limb amputation

Background/aims Exercise can be a useful rehabilitation approach for people with lower-limb amputation. However, there is a lack of research in this regard. The aim of this study was to analyse functional mobility, walking speed, range of motion and quality of life changes experienced by people with lower-limb amputation after taking part in a comprehensive exercise programme that included core strengthening exercises. Methods This was a pilot study including six individuals who carried out a comprehensive exercise programme, which was performed once a week for 5 months. During the first 2 weeks, the participants attended 1-hour sessions that focused on the execution of diaphragmatic breathing and body scheme exercises. From the fourth week until the end of the intervention, the sessions were much longer, and included a warm-up phase, two circuit training workouts for core strength and balance, and a final stretching routine. Results Significant improvements were found in the participants' functional mobility (P=0.007) and walking speed (P=0.001). The exercise intervention did not have a significant impact on the participants' range of motion and quality of life. Conclusions In a group of people with lower-limb amputation, the performance of a comprehensive exercise programme that included core strengthening, was found to be beneficial for functional mobility and walking speed, although no significant effect was observed for range of motion and quality of life measures.

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Determinants of Quality of Life in Older Adults After Lower Limb Amputation and Rehabilitation in Skilled Nursing Facilities

Journal of the American Geriatrics Society ◽

10.1111/j.1532-5415.2011.03880.x ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 60 (4) ◽

pp. 796-798 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Bianca I. Buijck ◽

Sytse U. Zuidema ◽

Monica S. van Eijk ◽

Debby L. Gerritsen ◽

Raymond TCM Koopmans ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Older Adults ◽

Lower Limb ◽

Lower Limb Amputation ◽

Skilled Nursing Facilities ◽

Limb Amputation ◽

Nursing Facilities ◽

Skilled Nursing

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Quality of Life in People with Lower-Limb Amputation

Handbook of Disease Burdens and Quality of Life Measures ◽

10.1007/978-0-387-78665-0_219 ◽

2010 ◽

pp. 3785-3796 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

D. Desmond ◽

P. Gallagher

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Lower Limb ◽

Lower Limb Amputation ◽

Limb Amputation

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Analysis of selected factors determining quality of life in patients after lower limb amputation- a review article

Polish Journal of Surgery ◽

10.5604/01.3001.0009.8980 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 89 (2) ◽

pp. 57-61 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Anna Grzebień ◽

Mariusz Chabowski ◽

Maciej Malinowski ◽

Izabella Uchmanowicz ◽

Magdalena Milan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Lower Limb ◽

Lower Limb Amputation ◽

Limb Amputation ◽

Occupational Activity ◽

Social Aspect ◽

Phantom Pain ◽

Comprehensive Health ◽

The Impact

The amputation of the lower limb is a crippling procedure, which impairs both physical and mental aspect of the patient’s life and therefore, it is important to provide these patients with comprehensive health care. Patients and their families must change their lives and reorganize them, which is undoubtedly associated with a decrease in the quality of life. The aim of this study was to analyze various determinants of quality of life in patients after lower limb amputation and their impact on the physical, mental and social aspect of life. Based on the available literature, this paper discusses certain factors determining quality of life, including the presence of phantom pain and stump pain, the way patients move, independence in daily activity, occupational activity, and access to rehabilitation. Analysis of the impact of particular factors on quality of life in people after lower limb amputation may contribute to the improvement and introduction of new paradigms regarding care provided for amputees.

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