What are relevant predictors of physical activity in older adults with lower limb loss (LLL)? Results of a retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND

People with lower limb loss (LLL) have reduced physical activity (PA). There is evidence of physical and psychosocial predictors of PA in older adults with limb loss. However, these 2 areas (physical/psychosocial) have not been evaluated in the same analysis.

OBJECTIVES

To describe and identify predictors of PA in individuals with LLL.

STUDY

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

METHODS

Secondary analysis of data from a multisite Canadian randomized control trial involving community-dwelling prosthetic ambulators with unilateral transtibial or transfemoral amputation (N = 72). The dependent variable was the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly. Potential predictors were four step square test, 2-minute walk test, Short Physical Performance Battery, Life Space Assessment, walking while talking test, and Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale.

RESULTS

Seventy-two community-dwelling lower limb prosthesis users were enrolled. The sample included 62 male participants (86%), and 58 participants (81%) had transtibial amputation. The average age of participants was 65 (8.9) years, and for 49 participants (70%), the amputation was over 24 months ago. The total mean Standard Deviation (SD) Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly score was 153.2 (88.3), with scores of 148.1 (11.4) and 184.5 (24.7) for male and female participants, respectively. Regression analysis identified Life Space Assessment (β = 1.15, p = 0.007) and Short Physical Performance Battery (β = 3.51, p = 0.043) as statistically significant predictors accounting for 25% of the variance in PA.

CONCLUSIONS

Community mobility and physical performance are the most meaningful predictors of PA. Future research should examine additional factors (e.g., environment, motivation). Understanding the predictors for PA after LLL would improve clinical practice as clinicians would have increased knowledge to modify and improve training.