Evaluating fall event definitions relative to lower limb prosthesis users’ lived experiences

Abstract

Purpose

Evaluate specific elements of previously proposed fall and near-fall definitions to determine whether they fully capture lower limb prosthesis (LLP) users’ lived experiences.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 LLP users. Interview transcripts were reviewed, coded, and analyzed using deductive thematic analysis to identify shared experiences and inform revisions to previously reported definitions.

Results

Four major themes emerged: a fall can be initiated by more than just a loss of balance, loss of balance and losing balance are considered similar, falls are not limited to landing on the ground or floor, and catching yourself and recovering your balance are distinct responses to a loss of balance.

Conclusions

Two revisions were made to previous definitions to better align with LLP users’ experiences and historically overlooked fall circumstances. A fall is defined as a loss of balance or sudden loss of support where your body lands on the ground, floor, or another object. A near-fall was defined as a loss of balance where you caught yourself or recovered your balance without landing on the ground, floor, or another object. Implementation of these new definitions will aid the collection of accurate, consistent, and meaningful fall data, enhancing aggregation and comparison across studies.

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION

• Falls are a top health concern for lower limb prosthesis users.

• Understanding how lower limb prosthesis users experience falls helps build meaningful fall definitions.

• Standardized definitions allow clinicians to document fall events with greater consistency and justify fall prevention interventions.

Keywords:

• Amputation
• qualitative research
• artificial limb
• accidental falls, balance

Acknowledgements

Research reported in this publication was supported by the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association.

Authors’ contributions

Study Concept and Design: A. Sawers, B. Hafner

Acquisition of data: J. Ferrell-Olson

Analysis and interpretation of data: J Ferrell-Olson, A. Sawers, B. Hafner

Supervision: A. Sawers, B. Hafner

Drafting of manuscript: J. Ferrell-Olson

Critical revisions of manuscript of important intellectual content: A. Sawers, B. Hafner

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Clinical trials registration

Not applicable

Data availability statement

All data associated with this manuscript reside with the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the American Orthotics and Prosthetics Association.