Examining Physical Activity in Lower Limb Amputees and Associated Factors

Background: Although several factors can affect physical activity levels (PALs) in users of lower limb prosthesis, it is not clear what these factors are and which factors are more important. Objective: This study aimed to determine the factors associated with the PAL in lower limb prosthetic users. Study Design: A cross-sectional study. Methods: The study included 108 individuals with unilateral lower limb amputation aged 18–80 years who could walk 30 m independently and had used a lower limb prosthesis for at least 6 months. PALs were measured with a 3D accelerometer on two weekdays and one weekend day, whereby eight factors were evaluated to examine the relation of these factors with physical activity. Results: The PAL was associated with ambulation capacity, but not related to age, body mass index, amputation level, the reason for amputation, pain, psychosocial adjustment, or prosthesis satisfaction. Conclusions: Change in the 2-minute walk test, used to determine the ambulation capacity of lower limb prosthetic users, was the most important determinant of PAL. Two-minute walk test distance may be used as a predictive factor for PAL in lower limb prosthetic users. Clinical Relevance: The association between walking capacity and PAL suggests that rehabilitation strategies targeting improvements in walking capacity may potentially support higher activity levels and overall well-being in lower limb prosthetic users.