Article

We determined the demographic, health, functional, and satisfaction factors
related to lower-limb prosthesis or wheelchair use among veterans with lower-limb
amputation. Forty-two veterans were recruited from the 20th National Disabled
Veterans Winter Sports Clinic and the 26th National Veterans Wheelchair Games.
Participants were at least 18 years of age, had a lower-limb amputation, and were
either prosthesis or wheelchair users. Level of amputation was the most
significant health-related characteristic determining the veterans' use of a
prosthesis versus a wheelchair (p = 0.02). Veterans who had a higher level of
amputation and used a prosthesis reported significantly greater difficulty
navigating a ramp (p = 0.03), getting in and out of cars and buses (p = 0.03),
carrying 10 lb of groceries
(p = 0.02), and participating in sports and leisure
activities (p = 0.03). The parameter "satisfaction related to prosthesis" did not
determine selection of mobility device type. The interaction of demographics,
health-related characteristics, and mobility device characteristics affects
functional performance and influences the use of prostheses, wheelchairs, or both
in persons with lower-limb amputation. Long-term outcome assessments may help
determine factors associated with either transition from one device to another or
combined use of the devices over time.

Langue : ANGLAIS