Physical activity in individuals with lower extremity amputations: a narrative review

Abstract

Background

The beneficial effects of physical activity (PA) on the health and well-being of individuals are well established. Physical therapists are often involved in promoting optimal levels of PA in various clinical populations. However, little is known regarding levels of PA or factors associated with PA in individuals with lower extremity (LE) amputations.

Objectives

To perform a systematic search and synthesize the literature on PA and identify factors associated with PA in individuals with LE amputations.

Major findings

We systematically reviewed the literature pertaining to PA in adults with a LE amputation. Thirty-five articles from 1995 to 2016 met the inclusion criteria and were included in this narrative review. The majority of participants with LE amputations were found to be sedentary, taking approximately 3000–4000 steps/day. Those with a vascular etiology of amputation or a transfemoral amputation were less active compared to those with a traumatic or transtibial amputation. The manipulation of prosthetic components was often not correlated with changes in PA. Some factors related to PA (i.e. endurance, K-level, use of an assistive device, history of falls) seemed to correlate with PA. Due to a paucity of research, no conclusions were drawn on the physical and mental health benefits of PA in patients with LE amputations or the number of steps/day necessary to optimize health benefits.

Conclusions

This review reveals the need for continued investigations on PA and the most important factors impacting levels of PA in individuals with LE amputations.

Keywords:

• Transtibial amputations
• Transfemoral amputations
• Step count
• Physical activity
• Activity monitoring