Article

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether simple clinical measures can predict walking
ability after lower limb prosthetic rehabilitation. DESIGN: Prospective
observational study. SUBJECTS: Ninety five adults who were assessed as suitable
for lower limb prosthetic rehabilitation by the multidisciplinary team. METHODS:
Information regarding baseline clinical factors (amputation details,
comorbidities, physical ability, mood and cognitive ability) was collected prior
to provision of the prosthesis. Backward step linear regression was used to
identify factors predictive of performance on the Timed Up and Go test following
rehabilitation. RESULTS: Seventy one participants were able to complete this
walking test and were included in the final analysis. The backward step
regression model had an adjusted R2 of 0.588 and comprised 6 factors: age (p =
0.002), gender (p = 0.027), level of amputation (p = 0.000), presence of
contracture (p = 0.088), ability to stand on one leg (p = 0.062) and Trail Making
Tests A + B (p = 0.047), a test of cognitive flexibility. Cause of amputation
(dysvascular or non-dysvascular) was not an independent predictor of walking
outcome. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that simple clinical assessments
completed prior to prosthetic provision can be used to predict mobility outcome.
These findings need to be validated in a larger population across other amputee
rehabilitation services and if confirmed could easily be incorporated into
routine clinical practice.

Langue : ANGLAIS