Prostheses and orthoses. Factors to be included when describing physical activity of a person who has had a lower limb amputation(s) or who has a deficiency of a lower limb segment(s) present at birth

Purpose: A simple single-unit activity monitor (Activ8), which is based on a tri-axial accelerometer, measures specific body postures and movements, and has potential for research and clinical practice to monitor and optimize physical behavior of people with chronic conditions. However, the validity of the Activ8 in people with lower-limb amputation is unknown. Studying validity in this specific group is needed because they often have postures and movements that differ from the normal population, and which might affect validity. Therefore our study aimed to validate the Activ8 to measure body postures and movements in people with a lower-limb amputation. Methods: Thirty people with a unilateral lower-limb amputation and who are able to walk with a prosthesis completed two activity protocols in a simulated home setting: one with basic activities (only one posture or movement) and one with functional activities from daily living. Outcomes of the Activ8 (used in thigh-fixed position and pocket position) were compared to outcomes of video observation (the reference method). Primary analyses focused on the agreement in duration of merged measures of physical activity (walking, running, cycling, standing) and sedentary behavior (lying/sitting) with the Activ8 used in thigh-fixed position. Additional analyses included the detection of specific types of physical activity, the effects of amputation level and cause, and the validity of the Activ8 in pocket position. Results: Overall percentage time differences between Activ8 (thigh-fixed position) and video observation for merged measures of physical activity and sedentary behavior outcomes were −2.7% and 2.3%, respectively. These percentages were −1.6% and 1.3% for the basic protocol, and −3.9% and 3.6% for the functional protocol, respectively. For specific postures and movements, differences were larger (ranging from −12.6% to 7.1%). Conclusion: The Activ8 activity monitor has acceptable validity to measure physical activity and sedentary behavior in people with a unilateral lower-limb amputation.

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Physical Activity Among People With Lower Limb Amputation in Brazil

Journal of Physical Activity and Health ◽

10.1123/jpah.2020-0841 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Lisiane Piazza Luza ◽

Diego Rodrigues Pimentel da Silva ◽

Elizandra Gonçalves Ferreira ◽

Greicy Kelly Wosniak Pires ◽

Paulo José Barbosa Gutierres Filho ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Lower Limb ◽

Physical Disabilities ◽

Lower Limb Amputation ◽

Limb Loss ◽

World Health ◽

Limb Amputation ◽

Activity Scale ◽

Physical Activity Scale ◽

Stationary Behavior

Background: Limb loss affects quality of life, well-being, and autonomy. The World Health Organization has launched a global action plan to reduce physical inactivity and presented recommendations of physical activity for people living with disability. Knowledge of the characteristics of people with lower limb amputation regarding physical activity is important. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify the quantity and type of physical activity done by people with lower limb amputation. Methods: The sample (N = 149) included adults aged 53.08 (17.24) years old with lower limb loss. Data collection was performed through the application of a sociodemographic, behavioral, and clinical data sheet and the Brazilian version of the Physical Activity Scale for Individuals with Physical Disabilities. Results: The total Physical Activity Scale for Individuals with Physical Disabilities score was between 0 and 65.79 metabolic equivalents of task per hour per day, which suggests low practice of physical activities. The most frequently practiced activities (79.9%) were those that involved stationary behavior. Women carried out more domestic activities, and subjects who used lower limb prosthesis and those with traumatic amputation reported higher practice of physical activity. Conclusions: People living with lower limb amputation, from different regions of Brazil, have low levels of physical activity and mainly carry out activities of stationary behavior.

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