Article

PURPOSE: To review the literature on cognitive functioning in persons with lower
limb amputations. METHOD:
A search of the MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Web of Science
databases was carried out. RESULTS: Thirty papers were found that met the
inclusion criteria. The studies were characterised by heterogeneity of design,
methodological quality, sample characteristics, assessment of cognitive
functioning, and outcomes examined. The research published to date suggests that
cognitive impairment is more prevalent among persons with lower limb amputations
than in the general population, and is linked with a number of important outcomes
in this patient group, including mobility, prosthesis use, and maintenance of
independence following amputation. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the
importance of assessing the cognitive abilities of persons with lower limb
amputations. An understanding of the cognitive profile of these patients could
assist rehabilitation teams in determining their suitability for prosthetic or
wheelchair rehabilitation, ascertaining appropriate and realistic goals for
rehabilitation, and tailoring rehabilitation programmes to patients' strengths so
that maximal mobility and independence is achieved. IMPLICATIONS FOR
REHABILITATION: * Cognitive impairment appears to be more prevalent among persons
with lower limb amputations than in the general population. * Cognitive impairment is negatively associated with mobility, prosthesis use, and
maintenance of independence following amputation. * Cognitive screening prior to
rehabilitation could assist in determining patients' suitability for prosthetic
or wheelchair use, ascertaining appropriate goals, and tailoring rehabilitation
to patients' strengths so as to optimise their mobility and independence.

Langue : ANGLAIS