Comparison of self-reported physical activity levels and quality of life between individuals with dysvascular and non-dysvascular below-knee amputation: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Decreased physical ability of individuals with a dysvascular amputation when compared with non-dysvascular counterpart may impact on their ability to participate in regular physical activity and concomitant quality of life.

OBJECTIVE

To compare physical activity, quality of life (QoL), and perceptions towards exercise between individuals with dysvascular and individuals with non-dysvascular amputation.

METHODS

A random sample of individuals identified from the New Zealand Artificial Limb Service database, aged 18 years and over, with a unilateral below-knee amputation due to a dysvascular condition (n = 61) and trauma (n = 116) completed the self-reported survey. Main constructs measured were: self-reported physical activity levels (MET-hours/day); quality of life (EuroQoL); perceptions towards exercise (Exercise Barriers and Benefits Scale [EBBS]); mobility capability (Locomotor Capability Index [LCI]) and a customized screening questionnaire.

RESULTS

Significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) were observed between dysvascular and non-dysvascular groups for total MET-hours/day [13.2 ± 12.7; 27.0 ± 23.2], LCI [36.3 ± 17.7; 49.9 ± 13.7], EuroQoL [72.1 ± 21.7; 80.9 ± 19.3] and EBBS [78.5 ± 10.3; 85.0 ± 14.3]. Cause of amputation, age, experience with the prosthesis, presence of co-morbidities and LCI were significant (p ≤ 0.008) correlates (simple linear regression) of MET-hours/day. Age was the only significant correlate in multivariable model with 0.43 MET-hours/day [F (5,161) = 9.28; p < 0.001], for each 1-year increase in age.

CONCLUSION

Physical activity levels and quality of life of individuals with dysvascular amputation were lower when compared with non-dysvascular amputation. Person-centred behavioural interventions to increase physical activity levels are needed to decrease the risk for developing long-term co-morbidities and to lessen the effects of co-morbidities already present in this population.