Barriers and Motivations of Amputeestowards Physical Activity: A Qualitative Studyin the Maltese Context

This research project investigates the motivations and barriers that individualswith lower limb amputations may encounter when performing physical activity. Sixparticipants were recruited: four had below-the-knee amputations, with two of themhaving a bilateral amputation. Another two participants had amputations at the forefoot,one having a unilateral amputation while the other had bilateral amputations. The studywas carried out using a grounded theory methodology and has revealed that there seemto be more barriers than motivations, while amputees have specific needs they would liketo see addressed. The analysis showed clustering of physical activity, with about half of theparticipants being highly engaged in physical activity and sport while the other half onlyaimed at maintaining functionality in everyday life. Participation levels post-amputationseem to be very similar to pre-amputation, suggesting that more participation in physicalactivity and sport is a key factor to be promoted in the general population lifestyle. Barriersidentified include physical, psychological, climatic, architectural, and financial, whilemotivations include intrinsic and extrinsic motivations, as well as support. Participantshighlighted a few needs which, if addressed, would serve to enhance participation inphysical activity and sport among amputees. These include awareness, better support forsport, better service, and infrastructural improvements.