Article

For people with lower-limb loss, impaired balance is common and limits prosthetic
function within the community. This cross-sectional study (1) analyzed
relationships among prosthetic use for mobility, balance ability and confidence,
and amputation-related variables and (2) determined multivariate models to
identify level of prosthetic use. Subjects included 46 community-dwelling adults
(mean age 56.2 yr) with limb loss (91.3% unilateral) of varied levels (52.2%
transtibial) and etiologies (69.6% vascular). A three-variable linear regression
model including balance ability, balance confidence, and years since amputation
explained 63.7% of variance in the Houghton scale of prosthetic use score. A
logistic regression model including the 14-task Berg Balance Scale, balance
confidence, years since amputation, age, and number of comorbidities correctly
differentiated between people who had reached a satisfactory level of prosthetic
use or not 89.1% of the time. The first three variables demonstrated moderate
accuracy with positive likelihood ratios from 2.34 to 4.35. The regression model
was further reduced to correctly classify 87.0% of cases with three balance
ability tasks (retrieving objects from floor, turning to look behind, and placing
alternate foot on stool), balance confidence, and numbers of comorbidities.
Logistic models that include balance ability, balance confidence, and numbers of
comorbidities can identify level of prosthetic use in people with lower-limb
loss. Increased balance confidence and ability when retrieving objects from
floor, turning to look behind, and placing alternate foot on stool were most
indicative of successful prosthetic use for mobility.

Langue : ANGLAIS