Correlates of Orthotic Prosthetic User Survey, Performance-Based Outcome Measures and Balance in Lower Limb Prosthesis Users

Background: This study compared performance-based function and self-report function in lower-limb prosthesis users. Methods: Twenty-two lower-limb prosthesis users (aged 52.1 ± 14.2) were administered the Orthotic Prosthetic User Survey (OPUS) Lower Extremity Functional Status (LEF), Satisfaction With Devices (SWD), alongside the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTQ), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, two-minute walk test (2MWT), and six-minute walk test (6MWT). Body composition and standing postural sway displacement and velocity were also measured. Pearson’s Product Moment coefficients were used to assess relationships between the OPUS and other outcome variables. ANOVAs were used to identify differences in all outcome variables between lower unilateral (LU) and all other (AO) amputees. Results: There was a moderate correlation between LEF and center of pressure (CoP) path length with eyes open (r(19) = −0.43, p = 0.048) and eyes closed (r(19) = −0.43, p = 0.049). While the relationship between LEF and TUG was significant (r(20) = −0.49, p = 0.021), this was not so with SWD and TUG (r(20) = −0.17, p = 0.456). Both the 2MWT (r(20) = 0.48, p = 0.023) and 6MWT (r(20) = 0.47, p = 0.028) were moderately correlated with LEF. GLTQ was significantly correlated with LEF (r(20) = 0.70, p = 0.001). The LU group outperformed the AP group during the TUG and 6MWT (p < 0.05). LU group scored significantly higher on LEF compared to the AO group (p < 0.05). The reliability of LEF between the measurement on day 1 (54.3 ± 12.0) and day 2 (53.6 ± 12.8) was high (α = 0.94). Conclusions: This study provides an insight into associations of balance and self-reported function in lower limb prosthesis users. Future work can target rehabilitation strategies to address challenges faced by multiple limb prosthesis users.