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The aim of this study is to systematically review and critically assess the methodological quality of literature regarding prevalence, characteristics and factors influencing pain, other than phantom limb pain (PLP) in persons with lower limb amputation (LLA).A systematic review was performed (PROSPERO CRD42019138018). Literature was searched using PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and PEDro. Studies were included if describing pain other than PLP at least three months after amputation. For residual limb pain (RLP) and back pain, a meta-regression was performed.Fifty-one studies were included in which predominantly young males with a unilateral traumatic amputation using a prosthesis were investigated. Pooled prevalence of RLP was 0.51 (95% CI 0.40-0.62) with a positive association with presence of back pain (Back pain and RLP are common after LLA. The prevalence of back pain was positively associated with the presence of RLP, and vice versa. Future studies should give more attention to other chronic pain types, to persons with a diabetic or vascular cause of amputation, and to pain-related interference.Implications for RehabilitationBoth back pain and residual limb pain occur in more than 50% of persons with lower limb amputation (LLA), and both pain types are positively associated.Clinicians should be aware that chronic pain is common after LLA and can have a significant impact on the functioning of persons with LLA.Future research on this topic should give more attention to other chronic pain types, to persons with a diabetic or vascular cause of amputation, and to pain-related interference.

PURPOSE To understand what is known about sex and gender differences in quality of life (QoL) and related domains for individuals with an adult acquired lower limb amputation (LLA). METHODS A computer-assisted literature search of four online databases was completed. Articles were included if they incorporated sex or gender as part of their data analysis with a focus on QoL-related domains. Data were analyzed using descriptive numerical analysis and thematic analysis. RESULTS One hundred and eleven articles were included in this review. Women were under-represented across studies, with most of the participants being men. No articles described the inclusion of trans or non-binary persons. Differences by sex or gender were reported by 66 articles. Articles reporting on gender seldom provided descriptions of how gender was defined. Overall, women/females seemed to have worse outcomes in terms of prosthesis-related outcomes, mental health, and return to occupations. CONCLUSION Articles included in this review were not clear with how gender was defined. In order for more targeted interventions that account for sex and gender differences, studies need to be more forthcoming about how they use and define gender. Future research should seek to include gender non-conforming participants to identify additional needs.Implications for rehabilitationSex and gender are important constructs that influence outcomes following lower limb amputation.Rehabilitation professionals should consider sex and gender-specific outcomes when tailoring programs to ensure ethical clinical care.

The Prosthetic Limb Users Survey of Mobility (PLUS-M) is a self-report item bank designed to measure the abilities with which people with lower limb amputation perform physical activities. Although PLUS-M includes items that span a range of mobility, additional items are needed to accurately measure mobility of highly active prosthesis users, such as athletes and service members with lower limb amputation. The aim of this study was to understand mobility in highly active lower limb prosthesis users to inform the development of new items for the PLUS-M item bank.Focus groups were conducted with active, lower limb prosthesis users from across the USA. In-person and online focus groups were conducted by a trained facilitator using a semi-structured guide. Focus group transcripts were reviewed and coded by two researchers. Thematic analysis was used to identify important experiences across participants.Twenty-nine participants took part in four focus groups. Three resultant themes were identified: mobility after amputation, mobility characteristics, and healthcare providers and systems.Identified themes inform clinician and researcher understanding of mobility in highly active lower limb prosthesis users. The results of this study will be used to inform development of high-activity items for the PLUS-M item bank.Implications for rehabilitationParticipants described engagement in high-level activities as a learning process that included elements such as equipment challenges and modifications, pain and injury, and the need to trust the prosthetic limb.Participants with lower limb amputation who use prostheses identified mobility characteristics, such as postural changes, terrain, and obstacles, that influenced their ability to perform high-level activities.High-level mobility characteristics identified in these focus groups can be integrated into a revised version of the Prosthetic Limb Users Survey of Mobility to assess mobility in active adults and athletes with amputation.Rehabilitation professionals play an important role in facilitating access to specialized prosthetic components and training that can help patients achieve their mobility goals and potential.

There is conflicting literature on the effect of post-amputation pain on quality of life (QOL) and no available literature on the relationship of pain medications to QOL of amputees in pain. The aims of the study were to compare QOL in lower limb amputees with significant pain to those with minimal pain and compare QOL in amputees on multiple pain medications (≥3 and/or ≥ 40 mg morphine equivalent/day) to those on minimal. Cross-sectional study of amputees (n = 101) utilizing standardized (brief pain inventory, pain self-efficacy, Euro QOL scale), institutional amputee specific questionnaires. Post-amputation pain was common (69%), but only 13% of the participants were using more pain medications. High-pain interference and poor self-efficacy were associated with poorer QOL after adjusting for age, gender and cause of amputation. High medication use was associated with high-pain interference and poor self-efficacy, but there was minimal correlation between pain scores and medication usage (p > 0.05). Quality of life was not influenced by high medication usage (p > 0.05 for pain interference; p > 0.05 for self-efficacy). Post-amputation pain continues to be a major determinant of QOL in lower limb amputees, but the role of pain medications on an amputee’s QOL remains unclear.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONAn amputee’s QOL is affected by the severity of their post-amputation pain even beyond six months post their amputation.An amputee with more pain may not necessarily take more pain medications to manage their pain. The amount of pain medications taken may not influence their self-reported QOL.Pain and QOL assessment should be integrated into routine clinical evaluation of adult amputees. Standardized screening tools and/or formative assessment can be utilized for assessing QOL. An amputee’s QOL is affected by the severity of their post-amputation pain even beyond six months post their amputation. An amputee with more pain may not necessarily take more pain medications to manage their pain. The amount of pain medications taken may not influence their self-reported QOL. Pain and QOL assessment should be integrated into routine clinical evaluation of adult amputees. Standardized screening tools and/or formative assessment can be utilized for assessing QOL.

To study the prevalence, intensity, and bothersomeness of amputation-related pain and further to identify the potential risk factors in the victims with lower-limb amputation 10 years after the 2008 Sichuan earthquake.In the cross-sectional study, 66 victims with lower-limb amputation were recruited. The Prostheses Evaluation Questionnaire was used to document the prevalence, intensity, and bothersomeness of amputation-related pain. The bivariate relationships between amputation-related pain and each of demographic characteristics were analyzed.Majority of the enrolled lower-limb amputees (90.9%) reported to have one or more types of amputation-related pain. The intensity and bothersomeness of amputation-related pain were considered as severe in nearly 40% of these post-earthquake victims. The potential demographic risk factors associated with the prevalence, intensity, and bothersomeness of amputation-related pain were identified, including the age, lower level of education, marital status, employment, and comorbidity.The pain coming from phantom limb, residual limb, non-amputated limb, and back was found persistent in the lower-limb amputees 10 years after the 2008 Sichuan earthquake. The findings of this study could provide useful reference for optimization of post-disaster rehabilitation strategies to alleviate chronic pain in the victims following lower-limb amputation.Implications for RehabilitationThe pain coming from phantom limb, residual limb, non-amputated limb, and back was found persistent in the victims with lower-limb amputation 10 years after the 2008 Sichuan earthquake.Continuous post-earthquake assessment and management of amputation-related pain should be taken into consideration for the victims with lower-limb amputation.The comorbidity should be effectively and efficiently controlled for the victims with lower-limb amputation due to its association with the intensity and bothersomeness of amputation-related pain.

Purpose:To assess the test-retest reliability of the Special Interest Group on Amputation Medicine Mobility Scale/Dutch Working Group on Amputations and Prosthetics, better known as SIGAM/WAP mobility scale, in persons with a lower-limb amputation. Method:Longitudinal study at the outpatient departments of a rehabilitation center and a university medical center. Persons with a lower-limb amputation, wearing a prosthesis, were assessed at the end of their multidisciplinary rehabilitation treatment twice, with a 3-week interval, by the same practitioner. Test-retest reliability was quantified using the intraclass correlation coefficient for agreement. Results:Eighty persons participated (mean age +/- SD, 61 +/- 15 years; 61% men; 76% vascular cause of amputation; 70% able to walk >50m). Fifty-one of them rated themselves to be stable with respect to their mobility and their intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.90 (95% confidence intervals 0.84-0.94). Conclusions:The Special Interest Group on Amputation Medicine Mobility Scale/Dutch Working Group on Amputations and Prosthetics had, at the outpatient departments of a rehabilitation center and a university medical center, excellent test-retest reliability in persons wearing a prosthesis after a lower-limb amputation.

Purpose: To explore barriers and enablers to community walking perceived by people with lower limb amputation. Materials and methods: Three focus groups (n = 14 participants), using purposive sampling, were conducted with people with lower limb amputation who used a prosthesis to walk in the community. Three investigators analyzed transcripts using thematic content analysis. Results: Themes aligned with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health domains. Barriers related to body function and structure included prosthetic function, residual limb integrity, phantom limb pain and other medical issues, with optimal prosthetic function and adequate fitness identified as enablers. Personal barriers included challenges adjusting to change, whereas personal enablers included being able to adjust to change, having a positive attitude, goal setting and a purpose for community walking. Environmental barriers included physical (e.g., terrain, crowds, climate) and social (e.g., unwanted attention and finances). Environmental enablers included aids, transport, preparation, social support and finances. Community walking was essential to participation in work, leisure, social activities and family roles. Conclusion: Walking in the community for people with a lower limb amputation presents many barriers, but enablers have also been identified. Targeted assessments and interventions, and appropriate environmental planning may assist in minimizing barriers to community walking. Implications for rehabilitation • Although rehabilitation for people with lower limb amputation should continue to optimise body function and structure (such as strength, fitness, pain and prosthetic function) to help prepare individuals for walking in the community, personal and environmental factors should also be addressed. • Optimising an individual’s personal enablers may facilitate community walking; this may include strategies to assist with adjusting to change, setting goals, instilling a positive attitude towards walking, and seeing a purpose for walking in the community. • Enhancing environmental (physical and social) enablers and minimising environmental barriers to walking in the community may be possible through environmental planning (e.g. infrastructure such as lifts), social awareness and education.

The majority of lower extremity amputations (LEAs) are the result of diabetes or peripheral vascular disease. There is a paucity of literature on individuals' experiences living with dysvascular LEAs in the community, particularly in Canada. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions and experiences of community-dwelling adults living with dysvascular LEA.Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with individuals with a dysvascular LEA recruited from three rehabilitation hospitals. Participants were included if they were English-speaking adults at least three months post-amputation and no longer receiving inpatient rehabilitation. Sampling was purposive to ensure variation by gender, level of amputation, and geographic location. Data were analyzed using an inductive content-analysis approach.Thirty-five interviews were completed with individuals with dysvascular LEA. Study participants portrayed LEA as having an impact on many aspects of their lives, resulting in changes in their mobility, social activities and roles, and psychological wellbeing. Three main factors shaped individuals' experiences with dysvascular LEA including social support, accessibility, and socioeconomic factors.Our findings highlight the impacts of dysvascular LEA in peoples' lives. Future research is warranted to explore how community-based interventions and strategies can address the ongoing needs of individuals with dysvascular LEA.Implications for rehabilitationOur findings highlight the long-term impacts of dysvascular lower extremity amputations, which resulted in changes in mobility, social activities and roles, and psychological wellbeing.Participants identified issues in access to community services and resources, including rehabilitation.Mechanisms to identify people at risk for social isolation need to be developed and implemented in rehabilitation centers.Access to ongoing rehabilitation services in the community are needed to optimize mobility outcomes and address ongoing psychological needs.

AIM: This study investigates the effect of time and age on health-related quality of life, general self-efficacy, and functional level 12 months following dysvascular major lower limb amputation (LLA).METHODS: A prospective cohort study design with assessments at baseline and follow-up 3, 6, and 12 months post-amputation. Data were collected via in-person interviews using Short Form 36, the General Self-efficacy scale and Barthel Index 100. Out of a consecutive sample of 103 patients having dysvascular major LLA (tibia, knee, or femoral), 38 patients completed the study. Outcome at follow-up was compared with baseline and analyzed in age groups.RESULTS: All SF36 subscale scores were below population norms at baseline. At 12 months, two out of eight scores-physical function and role-physical-had not improved. Different patterns of change over the 12 months were detected among the subscales, and psychosocial problems persisted and fluctuated throughout the 12 months in all age groups. Large differences were identified between age groups in physical function with the loss of physical function almost solely evident among the oldest (aged 75+ years) patients.CONCLUSIONS: Special attention should be given to the oldest patients need for rehabilitation so that they gain higher quality of life. Implications for rehabilitation Psychosocial problems persist and fluctuate throughout the first 12 months after major LLAs in all age groups and rehabilitation services should include psychosocial support throughout the first year to all patients independent of age. Waiting for an unnecessarily long period of time for a prosthesis can negatively impact both physical and psychosocial aspects of health-related QOL, and interventions to reduce waiting time are warranted. Differences between age groups in functional level after 12 months exist, with the loss of function almost solely evident among the oldest patients (aged 75+ years). A special focus should be given to the oldest patients' need of everyday rehabilitation to regain basic physical functions.

Purpose: To provide an understanding of the everyday experiences of individuals with a limb amputation. Method: Twenty-two participants (14 female, 8 male) with a mean-age of 42 years (SD = 10 years) were recruited to take part in two focus groups. The participants reported a range of lower-limb amputations (i.e., congenital, acquired, transfemoral, trantibial, unilateral, and bilateral) and on average were 5 years post-surgery (SD = 7 years). Each focus group comprised of 11 participants and was moderated by either the first or second author. The moderator asked participants to discuss their everyday experiences of life with an amputation using Charmaz’s good day/bad day approach. Focus groups were transcribed verbatim and analysed using an inductive thematic analysis. Results: Four themes were identified: pain, organization and planning, the embodied experience after amputation, and interactions with others. Conclusions: These themes provide a key resource for understanding daily fluctuations in physical, social, and psychological functioning.

Purpose: The objective of this study was to estimate fall incidence and describe associated risk factors among people with a lower limb amputation (LLA) during various stages of recovery: the surgical ward, in-patient rehabilitation and return to community life. Materials and methods: A systematic search of relevant English language articles was performed using PubMed and EMBASE. Out of 310 initial “hits,” six retrospective cohort studies, one prospective cohort study and eleven cross-sectional studies from which fall incidence and risk factors could be extracted, were selected for critical review. Fall incidence and associated risk factors were extracted and analyzed in the context of various clinical stages of recovery after amputation. The studies were evaluated for quality using the “Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies.” Results: Results showed that during all stages of recovery, people with a LLA are at increased risk of falling compared with able-bodied individuals, as well as other clinical populations. Each stage of recovery is associated with different fall risk factors. The current review is limited mainly by the paucity of studies on the topic. Conclusions: Specialised care focusing on the most relevant risk factors for each stage of recovery may enhance fall prevention during post-fall recovery.Implications for rehabilitation• People with a lower limb amputation are at a high risk of falling in all stages of their clinical course. • Health professionals should be aware that people with a lower limb amputation in the first 4 years ofamputation or with four or more health-related problems are at an increased risk. • Health professionals should also be aware that increased gait variability, excess confidence in balance andwalking abilities and less cautious stair walking, impose an elevated risk of falling and should focus theirefforts in reducing these factors. • People with a lower limb amputation are at a high risk of falling in all stages of their clinical course. • Health professionals should be aware that people with a lower limb amputation in the first 4 years ofamputation or with four or more health-related problems are at an increased risk. • Health professionals should also be aware that increased gait variability, excess confidence in balance andwalking abilities and less cautious stair walking, impose an elevated risk of falling and should focus theirefforts in reducing these factors.

To examine physical activity participation amongst individuals with lower limb amputation.Adults with lower limb amputation were convenience-sampled from a major metropolitan hospital outpatient amputee service and completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire.Seventy-two individuals (65% male), mean age 53.6 (SD = 16.8) years, who were 10.8 (SD = 12.6) years post amputation (60% transtibial) participated in the study. Thirty-eight percent of participants (n = 27) undertook "high" levels, 26% (n = 19) undertook "moderate" levels, and 36% (n = 26) undertook "low" levels of physical activity but cumulative activity levels were low. Participants most commonly undertook domestic-related activities (n = 53, 74%) and moderate-intensity activities (n = 54, 75%). Physical activity levels were found to be significantly lower amongst individuals who did not work, individuals with dysvascular amputation and individuals who lived with others. Physical activity levels showed a weak, significant, correlation to age (rThis study provides clinicians with information about physical activity participation amongst individuals with lower limb amputation. The majority of participants in this study (n = 44, 61%) did not accumulate sufficient "total physical activity" to be classified as "sufficiently active" and 33% (n = 24) of participants were classified as "sedentary". Implications for Rehabilitation Regular physical activity participation is associated with many health benefits. This study found the majority of individuals with lower limb amputation (61%) did not undertake sufficient total physical activity to be classified as "sufficiently active". Health professionals working in rehabilitation can play an important role in encouraging individuals to increase physical activity participation. The study's findings may guide health professionals on where to direct their focus to promote increased physical activity participation amongst individuals with lower limb amputation.

© 2016 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. Purpose: This study compared bilateral corticomotor and intracortical excitability of the primary motor cortex (M1), pre- and post-unilateral transtibial amputation. Method: Three males aged 45, 55, and 48 years respectively who were scheduled for elective amputation and thirteen (10 male, 3 female) healthy control participants aged 58.9 (SD 9.8) were recruited. Transcranial magnetic stimulation assessed corticomotor and intracortical excitability of M1 bilaterally. Neurophysiological assessments were performed 10 (SD 7) days prior to surgery and again at 10 (SD 3) days following surgery. Data were analyzed descriptively and objectively compared to 95% confidence intervals from control data. Results: Prior to amputation, all three patients demonstrated stronger short-latency intracortical inhibition evoked from M1 ipsilateral to the affected limb and reduced long-latency intracortical inhibition evoked from M1 contralateral to the affected limb compared to control subjects. Following amputation, short-latency intracortical inhibition was reduced in both M1s and long-latency intracortical inhibition was reduced for the ipsilateral M1. Single-pulse motor evoked potential amplitude and motor thresholds were similar pre-to-post amputation. Conclusions: Modulation of intracortical excitability shortly following amputation indicates that the cortical environment may be optimized for reorganization in the acute post-amputation period which might be significant for learning to support prosthetic mobility.Implications for Rehabilitation Amputation of a lower-limb is associated with extensive reorganization at the level of the cortex. Reorganization occurs in the acute post-amputation period implying a favorable cortical environment for recovery. Rehabilitation or brain interventions may target the acute pre-prosthetic post-amputation period to optimize recovery.

The most common complaint lower limb prosthesis users report is inadequacy of a proper socket fit. Adjustments to the residual limb-socket interface can be made by the prosthesis user without consultation of a clinician in many scenarios through skilled self-management. Decision trees guide prosthesis wearers through the self-management process, empowering them to rectify fit issues, or referring them to a clinician when necessary. This study examines the development and acceptability testing of patient-centered decision trees for lower limb prosthesis users.Decision trees underwent a four-stage process: literature review and expert consultation, designing, two-rounds of expert panel review and revisions, and target audience testing.Fifteen lower limb prosthesis users (average age 61 years) reviewed the decision trees and completed an acceptability questionnaire. Participants reported agreement of 80% or above in five of the eight questions related to acceptability of the decision trees. Disagreement was related to the level of experience of the respondent.Decision trees were found to be easy to use, illustrate correct solutions to common issues, and have terminology consistent with that of a new prosthesis user. Some users with greater than 1.5 years of experience would not use the decision trees based on their own self-management skills. Implications for Rehabilitation Discomfort of the residual limb-prosthetic socket interface is the most common reason for clinician visits. Prosthesis users can use decision trees to guide them through the process of obtaining a proper socket fit independently. Newer users may benefit from using the decision trees more than experienced users.

This study explored the perceptions of people with a lower limb amputation as to important factors contributing to their low back pain (LBP).Semi-structured interviews were conducted (three focus groups and two individual interviews), with 11 participants with lower limb amputation and on-going LBP. The discussions were analysed using the General Inductive Approach.Five major categories were identified with "uneven posture and compensatory movements" of the back perceived to be the main contributor to LBP. "Fatigue" during functional activities and "prosthesis-related factors" may affect the "uneven movements" of the back further leading to LBP. "Multiple pain conditions" (i.e. phantom limb pain, non-amputated limb pain) could influence the pain perceptions contributing to LBP. "Self-management strategies" in the form of maintaining optimal physical fitness and support from health care professionals helped to manage LBP symptoms, thereby assisted in preventing chronicity.The results suggest "uneven movements" of the back affected by "fatigue" and "prosthesis-related factors" may alter the mechanical loading of the spine during functional activities and contribute to LBP. While being physically active helped participants cope with their LBP, identifying and addressing "uneven movements" in the back during the performance of functional activities may be important to devise prevention strategies for LBP.

To explore the expectations of patients about to undergo prosthetic rehabilitation following a lower limb amputation.Qualitative study using semi structured interviews.Interviews were conducted at two district general hospitals.Eight patients who had undergone a major lower limb amputation due to vascular insufficiency were interviewed within two weeks of their amputation. All patients had been referred for prosthetic rehabilitation.Five key themes emerged from the interviews: uncertainty, expectations in relation to the rehabilitation service, personal challenges, the prosthesis and returning to normality. These findings illustrate how participants faced uncertainty both pre- and postoperatively and often looked towards established amputees for the provision of accurate information.As no previous research has specifically explored patients' expectations following an amputation, this study adds valuable insight into the patient experience. Patient expectations following lower limb amputation appeared to be vague and uninformed which may lead to uncertainty and passivity. It was found that patients did not know what to expect in relation to the rehabilitation process. They expected to return to a normal life following an amputation and this expectation appeared to be an important coping mechanism. Patient information and discussions should form an important part of the rehabilitation process before as well as during prosthetic rehabilitation, to help shape realistic expectations. This will allow patients to take a more active, informed role in the process. Psychoeducation interventions (talking) appears to be as important as "walking" within prosthetic rehabilitation services.

The purpose of this study was to analyze whether, and by whom sexuality is discussed in amputation departments. The focus was on whether professionals received questions about sexuality from their patients with a lower limb amputation and whether they addressed sexuality themselves, as well as on the knowledge and comfort level, approach and attitudes toward sexuality of these professionals.An online questionnaire, including questions on self-perceived sexological competence and the Knowledge, Comfort, Approach and Attitudes towards Sexuality Scale.Seventy-eight percent of the professionals had not received questions about sexuality from their patients and 67% had not addressed sexuality. Self-perceived knowledge about sexuality and self-perceived ability to recognize sexual problems increased the odds of receiving a question about sexuality and the odds of addressing this issue.Sexuality is rarely discussed by professionals in the amputation department. It is, however, the responsibility of the professional to do so. By addressing sexuality in a systematic way and discussing this as a common topic professionals "give permission" to patients and other team members to discuss eventual sexual problems or concerns. Therefore, the professionals' self-perceived sexological competence and feeling of comfort with the topic of sexuality need to be increased. Implications for Rehabilitation Sexuality is rarely discussed by professionals in the amputation department, even though sexual problems do occur in patients with a lower limb amputation (LLA). By addressing sexuality in a systematic way and discussing this as a common topic professionals "give permission" to patients and other team members to discuss eventual sexual problems or concerns. Our study shows that self-perceived knowledge about sexuality and self-perceived ability to recognize sexual problems increases the odds of receiving a question about sexuality and the odds of addressing this issue. Investing in courses that focus on increasing the knowledge and feeling of comfort concerning sexuality of professionals working with people with a LLA is therefore of important value.

The aim of this study was to describe leisure activities, leisure satisfaction and constraints on participation in leisure following a unilateral lower limb amputation due to vascular disease.This study used a mixed-method approach where 15 individuals with lower limb amputation completed the individual leisure profile 2-3 months post-discharge from rehabilitation. A subsample (n = 8) also participated in semi-structured interviews analysed using the Miles and Huberman analytic method.Results show that participants were involved in 12 different leisure activities on average. Compared to before the amputation, a decrease in participation was observed in all categories of leisure activity, and especially crafts, nature and outdoor activities, mechanics, sports and physical activities. Nonetheless, overall satisfaction was high. The most important constraints on participation in leisure were lack of accessibility, material considerations, functional abilities, affective constraints and social constraints.A decrease in leisure activity participation and the presence of constraints do not automatically translate into low levels of leisure satisfaction.

Contains fulltext : 53557.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) PURPOSE: To obtain information about the wishes and experiences of patients with a lower limb amputation with regard to prosthetic prescription and their exchange of information with the healthcare providers. METHOD: Design: Cross-sectional questionnaire. Setting: Outpatient clinic of a Rehabilitation Centre. Study participants: A random sample of patients with a lower limb amputation (n = 81). Main outcome measures: In analogy with the QUOTE questionnaire a focus group technique was used. Prosthetic users formulated 24 specific items, which were of importance according to them. The items were divided into 4 categories: (i) service demand, (ii) prosthetic prescription, (iii) information, (iv) insurance aspects. The questionnaire consisted of two sets (A and B) of 24 items rating importance of items and experience in everyday practice. To identify different dimensions within the 24 items, a factor analysis in SPSS was performed for lists A and B followed by a varimax rotation. Impact factors were calculated by multiplying the mean score of importance on an item with the percentage of patients that experienced this item as negative. RESULTS: A total of 113 questionnaires were sent by e-mail with a response of 73%. The outcomes of the questionnaires resulted in 2 sets of information: One concerning the importance of several items in the process of prosthetic prescription, the other the experience of the prosthetic user about those items. By multiplying the scores on importance by the percentage of negative experience per item (impact score) points of improvement for clinical practice were formulated. CONCLUSIONS: A discrepancy between the needs of patients and what they experience in their contacts with clinical professionals as the most important dimension was noticed. A questionnaire with specific items for a homogeneous target group is a good method to formulate points of improvement for clinical practice in healthcare.

Purpose : To analyse how decisions to dichotomise the frequency and impediment of phantom pain into absent and present influence the outcome of studies by performing a sensitivity analysis on an existing database.Method : Five hundred and thirty-six subjects were recruited from the database of an orthopaedic workshop and filled out a questionnaire in which the following items were assessed: demographics, side, date, level and reason of amputation, presence and frequency of phantom sensations, phantom pain and stump pain, and impediment due to phantom pain.Results : The prevalence of phantom pain ranged from 7 - 72% when different cut off points for the frequency of phantom pain were applied. The significance of the various risk factors for the prevalence of phantom pain changed when different cut off points were applied. Only stump pain and phantom sensations were significant risk factors for all cut off points. Risk factors for the impediment of phantom pain changed when different cut off points were applied and these risk factors were different from those for the prevalence of phantom pain.Conclusion : The choice of cut off points influences the outcome of phantom pain studies considerably. This study provides some insight into the differences in prevalence and risk factors found in literature.

To explore the goal-related strategies employed by people following lower limb amputation using a framework based on the dual-process model of adaptive self-regulation.Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 individuals with a lower limb amputation.Theoretical thematic analysis identified four broad assimilative/goal pursuit strategies; internal resource use, planning, technology use and help use. The most common strategies were maintaining a specific leisure activity (n=20), seeking instrumental help (n=15) and determination (n=15). Three broad categories of accommodative/goal adjustment strategies were also identified; interpersonal accommodation, managing limitations and meaning-making. The most common were accepting limitations (n=18), emotional support from friends and family (n=17) and adjusting goals to constraints (n=16). There was also evidence of strategies that combined the use of accommodative and assimilative strategies, and the use of avoidant strategies.The findings point towards key assimilative/goal pursuit and accommodative/goal adjustment strategies that may be adaptive following lower limb amputation. The study highlights the potential usefulness of the dual-process model in understanding how individuals adapt to functional disability, while bringing to light issues warranting further explication within this framework. Implications for Rehabilitation People adopt specific adaptive goal pursuit and goal adjustment strategies in response to goal disruptions following limb loss. Being aware of the processes involved in regulating goals in response to challenges is useful for understanding adjustment to limb loss. Greater understanding of adaptive and maladaptive goal strategies may help the rehabilitation team to foster positive outcomes in people with lower limb amputation.

The purpose of this review of the scientific literature was to investigate the incidence and prevalence of hemiplegia with lower limb amputation, and to identify outcomes following the dual disability of hemiplegia and amputation.Electronic searching of the literature identified major studies examining the effects of hemiplegia on rehabilitation following amputation. Data were extracted and levels of evidence assigned for each subtopic area.The summary conclusions are Level 4 evidence. The prevalence of amputation and hemiplegia is 8-18% and amputation and hemiplegia occur most often in the same leg. Once individuals with hemiplegia and lower limb amputation are selected for prosthetic rehabilitation, rate of successful functional ambulation is greater than 58%. In general there is a lower rate of prosthetic success and independence with hemiplegia than without. Predictive factors associated with success include less severe hemiplegia, laterality of hemiplegia (ipsilateral and right side), transtibial level of amputation and absence of impaired mental function. There is wide variation in length of hospital stay, but a specialty multidisciplinary team reduces length of stay.Patients with dual disability of hemiplegia and amputation generally benefit from a prosthetic rehabilitation program. Further study on predictive factors for outcome would be beneficial.• The prevalence of hemiplegia with lower limb amputation ranges from 8 to 18%, most frequently affecting the same leg. • The majority of patients attain successful functional levels of ambulation with prosthetic rehabilitation, although lower rates than nonhemiplegic patients. • Predictive factors associated with greater success include less severe hemiplegia, ipsilateral hemiplegia, transtibial level of amputation and absence of impaired mental function.

The objectives of the study were to identify the health-related behaviors among physically disabled individuals with lower limb amputation resident in Rwanda, the factors that influenced these behaviors, and the major issues that should be targeted in health promotion programs for physically disabled individuals with lower limb amputation.A cross-sectional survey, utilizing a self-administered questionnaire, was carried out among 334 lower limb amputees who volunteered to take part in the study. In addition, a sub-sample of 15 participants was purposely selected for in-depth face-to-face interviews.Many participants did not engage in physical exercises (64.7%). Others abused alcohol on daily basis (14.4%), smoked 11-20 cigarettes daily (13.2%), and used recreational drugs such as marijuana, opium and cocaine (9.6%). There were significant associations between the age group of the participants and participation in exercises (P=0.001), and consuming alcohol, tobacco and recreational drugs (P=0.001). In-depth interviews revealed factors influencing the behavior of participants.Participants were found to be at risk of secondary complications because of poor lifestyle choices. There is a need to develop and promote wellness-enhancing behaviors in order to enhance the health status of physically disabled individuals in Rwanda who have lower limb amputations.

Purpose: To review the existing literature on the social and psychological challenges faced by people with an amputation and to provide a detailed analysis of the literature examining psychological adjustment to these challenges across time. Method: Existing papers on psychological adjustment to amputation were analysed according to their results, methodology, and conclusions. Results: Although depression and anxiety are relatively high up to 2 years post-amputation, they appear to decline thereafter to general population norms. However, social discomfort and body-image anxiety have also been found among some people with amputations, and these have been associated with increased activity restriction, depression, and anxiety. Factors associated with positive adjustment to limb loss include greater time since amputation, more social support, greater satisfaction with the prosthesis, active coping attempts, an optimistic personality disposition, a lower level of amputation in the case of lower limbs, and lower levels of phantom limb pain and stump pain. Conclusion: The majority of studies on adjustment to amputation are cross-sectional in design and have used noncomparable measures. Furthermore, they have neglected to study many important areas of rehabilitation, including immediate reaction to amputation, adjustment during and shortly after the rehabilitation period, and development of a changed sense of self and identity. In order to address these concerns, more longitudinal and qualitative research is called for. We end by outlining the components of a descriptive phased model of the rehabilitation process.

This research aimed to develop a clearer picture of the experience of residual limb pain and phantom limb pain following a lower limb amputation and to gain a greater understanding of their relationships with physical and psychosocial variables.One hundred and four participants completed the Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experience Scales (TAPES), which includes a section on each of, psychosocial issues, activity restriction, satisfaction with a prosthesis and pain (incidence, duration, level and extent of interference).The results showed that 48.1% of the sample experienced residual limb pain and 69.2% experienced phantom limb pain. While fewer people experienced residual limb pain, those who did, experienced it for longer periods, at a greater level of intensity and with a greater amount of interference in their daily lifestyle, than people who were experiencing phantom limb pain. The experience of residual limb pain was associated with other medical problems and low levels of Adjustment to Limitation. Phantom limb pain was associated with older age, being female, above knee amputation, causes other than congenital causes, not receiving support prior to the amputation, the experience of other medical problems, low scores on Adjustment to Limitation and high scores on Aesthetic Satisfaction with the prosthesis.These findings provide a greater understanding of the issues to be taken into consideration in the rehabilitation of people with a lower limb amputation.