scholarly journals The Effect of Two Weeks Physiotherapy on Lower Limb Function and Pain after Lower Limb Amputation

Author(s):  
Tadas Pundinas ◽  
Saulė Sipavičienė

Research background. Rehabilitation after amputation is very important, during which the patient receives help, and preparation for prosthetics is underway. During the prosthetic rehabilitation phase, the patient is adapted to use and control the prosthesis. Therefore it is relevant to determine the effect of physiotherapy on limb function and pain. The aim. The aim of the research was to evaluate the effect of two weeks’ physiotherapy on lower limb function and pain after lower limb amputation. Methods. The criteria for selection of patients were the primary stage of rehabilitation after lower limb amputation, age more than 18 years. Patients were evaluated before and after the rehabilitation. The evaluated parameters were pain, using visual pain scale (score), muscle strength of the amputated limb using Lovett score system, the range of motion of the joint above the amputated region using a goniometer, functional independence of patients using the functional independence test and in order to fnd out how the patient feels, the self-assessment scale was applied. Results. After the research, limb pain decreased, muscle strength and range of motion improved. The results were statistically signifcant (p < 0.05). Conclusion. After two weeks of physiotherapy, the muscle strength of the amputated limb and the range of motion of the joint movement increased, pain was reduced.Keywords: limb amputation, pain, function, strength, amplitudes.

2004 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 88-94 ◽  
Author(s):  
Inger Holm ◽  
Merete Aarsland Fosdahl ◽  
Astrid Friis ◽  
May Arna Risberg ◽  
Grethe Myklebust ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Sofía Mosteiro-Losada ◽  
Silvia Varela ◽  
Oscar García-García ◽  
Iván Martínez-Lemos ◽  
Carlos Ayán

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.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nor Azizah Ishak ◽  
Zarina Zahari ◽  
Maria Justine

This study aims to compare muscle functions and functional performances between older persons with and without low back pain (LBP) and to determine the association between muscle functions and functional performances. This is a cross-sectional study, involving 95 older persons (age =70.27±7.26years). Anthropometric characteristics, muscle functions, and functional performances were measured. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation, and multiple linear regression. The functional performances showed no significant differences (females LBP versus non-LBP, males LBP versus non-LBP) (p<0.05). For muscle functions, significant differences were found (females LBP versus non-LBP) for abdominal muscle strength (p=0.006) and back muscle strength (p=0.07). In the LBP group, significant correlations were found between back and abdominal muscle strength and hand grip strength (r=0.377andr=0.396, resp.), multifidus control and lower limb function (r=0.363) in females, and back muscle strength and lower limb function (r=0.393) in males (allp<0.05). Regression analysis showed that abdominal and back muscle strengths were significant predictors of hand grip strength (p=0.041andp=0.049, resp.), and multifidus control was a significant predictor of lower limb function in females (p=0.047). This study demonstrates that older women with LBP exhibit poorer muscle functions compared to older women without LBP.


2018 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 196-203 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather R Batten ◽  
Steven M McPhail ◽  
Allison M Mandrusiak ◽  
Paulose N Varghese ◽  
Suzanne S Kuys

Background: The relationship between gait speed and prosthetic potential (K-level classifications) and function has not been explored among people transitioning from hospital rehabilitation to the community. Objectives: To examine gait speed at discharge from inpatient rehabilitation among people prescribed a prosthetic leg after unilateral lower limb amputation, and associations between gait speed, prosthetic potential and functional ability. Study design: Cohort. Methods: Gait speed (10-m walk test), K-level (Amputee Mobility Predictor) and Functional Independence Measure motor were compared for 110 people (mean (standard deviation) age: 63 (13) years, 77% male, 71% transtibial amputation, 70% dysvascular causes). Results: Median (interquartile range) gait speed and Functional Independence Measure motor were 0.52 (0.37–0.67) m/s and 84 (81, 85), respectively. Median (IQR) gait speed scores for each K-level were as follows: K1 = 0.17 (0.15–0.19) m/s, K2 = 0.38 (0.25–0.54) m/s, K3 = 0.63 (0.50–0.71) m/s and K4 = 1.06 (0.95–1.18) m/s. Median (IQR) FIM-Motor scores for each K-level were as follows: K1 = 82 (69–84), K2 = 83 (79–84), K3 = 85 (83–87) and K4 = 87 (86–89). Faster gait speed was associated with higher K-level, higher FIM-Motor, being younger, male and having transtibial amputation with nonvascular aetiology. Conclusion: Gait speed was faster among each higher K-level classification. However, gait speeds observed across all K-levels were slower than healthy populations, consistent with values indicating high risk of morbidity and mortality. Clinical relevance Factors associated with faster gait speed are useful for clinical teams considering walking potential of people with lower limb prostheses and those seeking to refine prosthetic rehabilitation programmes.


2010 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 73-84 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michele A. Raya ◽  
Robert S. Gailey ◽  
Ira M. Fiebert ◽  
Kathyrn E. Roach

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


2015 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather R. Batten ◽  
Suzanne S. Kuys ◽  
Steven M. McPhail ◽  
Paulose N. Varghese ◽  
Jennifer C. Nitz

Objective To examine personal and social demographics, and rehabilitation discharge outcomes of dysvascular and non-vascular lower limb amputees. Methods In total, 425 lower limb amputation inpatient rehabilitation admissions (335 individuals) from 2005 to 2011 were examined. Admission and discharge descriptive statistics (frequency, percentages) were calculated and compared by aetiology. Results Participants were male (74%), aged 65 years (s.d. 14), born in Australia (72%), had predominantly dysvascular aetiology (80%) and a median length of stay 48 days (interquartile range (IQR): 25–76). Following amputation, 56% received prostheses for mobility, 21% (n = 89) changed residence and 28% (n = 116) required community services. Dysvascular amputees were older (mean 67 years, s.d. 12 vs 54 years, s.d. 16; P < 0.001) and recorded lower functional independence measure – motor scores at admission (z = 3.61, P < 0.001) and discharge (z = 4.52, P < 0.001). More non-vascular amputees worked before amputation (43% vs 11%; P < 0.001), were prescribed a prosthesis by discharge (73% vs 52%; P < 0.001) and had a shorter length of stay (7 days, 95% confidence interval: –3 to 17), although this was not statistically significant. Conclusions Differences exist in social and demographic outcomes between dysvascular and non-vascular lower limb amputees. What is known about the topic? Lower limb amputation occurs due to various aetiologies. What does this paper add? Lower limb amputee rehabilitation over 7 years was investigated, comprising 425 admissions, 80% due to dysvascular aetiology. Personal and social demographics, and discharge outcomes are compared by aetiology. What are the implications for practitioners? Demographic and discharge outcome differences exist between dysvascular and non-vascular lower limb amputees. Twenty-one percent were required to change residence and 28% required additional social supports. Discharge planning should begin as soon as possible to limit time spent waiting for new accommodation or major modifications for current homes. Lower limb amputees are not homogeneous, so care should be taken if extrapolating from combined amputee aetiologies or from one aetiology to another.


Author(s):  
Natalia Comino-Suárez ◽  
Juan C. Moreno ◽  
Julio Gómez-Soriano ◽  
Álvaro Megía-García ◽  
Diego Serrano-Muñoz ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation method able to modulate neuronal activity after stroke. The aim of this systematic review was to determine if tDCS combined with robotic therapy (RT) improves limb function after stroke when compared to RT alone. Methods A search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published prior to July 15, 2021 was performed. The main outcome was function assessed with the Fugl-Meyer motor assessment for upper extremities (FM/ue) and 10-m walking test (10MWT) for the lower limbs. As secondary outcomes, strength was assessed with the Motricity Index (MI) or Medical Research Council scale (MRC), spasticity with the modified Ashworth scale (MAS), functional independence with the Barthel Index (BI), and kinematic parameters. Results Ten studies were included for analysis (n = 368 enrolled participants). The results showed a non-significant effect for tDCS combined with RT to improve upper limb function [standardized mean difference (SMD) = − 0.12; 95% confidence interval (CI): − 0.35–0.11)]. However, a positive effect of the combined therapy was observed in the lower limb function (SMD = 0.48; 95% CI: − 0.15–1.12). Significant results favouring tDCS combined with RT were not found in strength (SMD = − 0.15; 95% CI: − 0.4–0.1), spasticity [mean difference (MD) =  − 0.15; 95% CI: − 0.8–0.5)], functional independence (MD = 2.5; 95% CI: − 1.9–6.9) or velocity of movement (SMD = 0.06; 95% CI: − 0.3–0.5) with a “moderate” or “low” recommendation level according to the GRADE guidelines. Conclusions Current findings suggest that tDCS combined with RT does not improve upper limb function, strength, spasticity, functional independence or velocity of movement after stroke. However, tDCS may enhance the effects of RT alone for lower limb function. tDCS parameters and the stage or type of stroke injury could be crucial factors that determine the effectiveness of this therapy.


2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 139-150
Author(s):  
Fabiana Amaral de Carvalho ◽  
Letícia Cristina Carvalho Silva ◽  
Regina Adriana Nogueira ◽  
Stella Maria Cândido Camargos ◽  
Andressa Silva ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction: The sphygmomanometer test is an alternative and inexpensive method for assessment of muscle strength. This instrument was considered valid and reliable to measure the isometric strength in different health conditions, however, in individuals with limb amputations the properties of this instrument for this purpose, have not been investigated. Objective: To investigate the concurrent criterion validity, test-retest and inter-rater reliabilities of the aneroid sphygmomanometer test (AST) without modification, for assessment of the strength of subjects with lower limb amputations. Methods: Twenty-two subjects (57.6 ± 15.2 years) with lower limb amputations were included in this study. Maximum isometric force was assessed with a handheld dynamometer (microFet2®) and the AST. To identify differences between trials, one-way ANOVA was applied. To assess the concurrent criterion validity, test-retest and inter-rater reliabilities of the AST, Pearson’s correlation coefficients of determination and intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) were calculated. Results: For all muscle groups, no differences were observed between the trials (0.00001 ≤ F ≤ 0.10; 0.90 ≤ p ≤ 0.99). Significant, positive, and high to very high correlations were found between the HHD and the AST measures for the different numbers of trials for all assessed muscles (0.76 ≤ r ≤ 0.93; p ≤ 0.02). Test-retest (0.67 ≤ ICC ≤ 0.97) and inter-rater reliabilities (0.78 ≤ ICC ≤ 0.97) were adequate. The values obtained with the AST were good predictors of those obtained with HHD (0.58 ≤ r2 ≤ 0.85). Conclusion: For individuals with lower limb amputation, the AST showed adequate concurrent criterion validity, test-retest reliability and inter-rater reliability for the assessment of lower limbs muscle strength.


2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 501-508
Author(s):  
Xueyi Ni ◽  
Liru Cui ◽  
Ruixia Bi ◽  
Jinghua Qian

Background: In recent years, it is reported that non-invasive brain stimulation [including transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)] could improve lower limb function in patients after stroke. However, some studies showed no effect. In the present study, we aimed to make a meta-analysis to assess effect of non-invasive brain stimulation on lower limb function in patients after stroke. Methods: Studies exploring the effect of tDCS or rTMS on lower limb function in patients after stroke were searched on the PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Medline, Google Scholar before March 2021. Meta-analysis was made to summarize results of these studies. Results: The present study showed significantly better walking speed, mobility and muscle strength increase effect in tDCS group compared to sham tDCS group [walking speed: standard mean difference (SMD) = 1.14, 95% CI = 0.48 to 1.80, I2 = 74.0%, p value for Q test < 0.001; mobility: SMD = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.21 to 1.36, I2 = 53.8%, p value for Q test = 0.043; muscle strength: SMD = 2.79, 95% CI = 0.61 to 4.98, I2 = 93.9%, p value for Q test < 0.001]. In addition, meta-analysis showed significantly better walking speed, balance and motor function increase effect in rTMS group compared to sham rTMS group [walking speed: SMD = 3.31, 95% CI = 1.38 to 5.24, I2 = 92.1%, p value for Q test < 0.001; balance: SMD = 3.54, 95% CI = 1.45 to 5.63, I2 = 95.4%, p value for Q test < 0.001; motor function: SMD = 1.65, 95% CI = 0.53 to 2.76, I2 = 90.3%, p value for Q test < 0.001]. Conclusions: This meta-analysis suggested that non-invasive brain stimulation improved lower limb function in patients after stroke. More large scale, blinded RCTs were necessary to confirm the effect of rTMS and tDCS on lower limb function in patients after stroke.


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