Article

The UK will host the Paralympics in 2012 and the Commonwealth Games
in 2014 showcasing the talents of elite athletes and aiming to inspire the
population to become involved. However, low levels of physical activity are
prevalent: only 40% of men and 28% of women meet the minimum UK physical activity
recommendations. The population of people with limb absence is no exception.
Objectives: To determine if people with amputation are participating in physical
activity and sport; whether post-amputation activity levels match pre-amputation
levels; and if there are motivations and barriers to participation. Study Design:
Literature review. Methods: Five reviewers systematically searched all peer
reviewed and gray literature in seven bibliographic databases and the Cochrane
Library. Results: Following rigorous elimination, 12 articles were finally
included in the review and critically appraised. Four themes were identified:
components; rehabilitation outcomes; body image; and motivations and barriers to
participation. Conclusion: People with limb absence are not participating in
physical activity conducive to health benefits, and only a minority participate
in exercise and sports. Participation following amputation does not mirror that
of pre-amputation levels, and more barriers than motivations exist to adopting or
maintaining a physically active lifestyle. Clinical relevance
This literature
review aims to inform those involved in rehabilitation and ongoing care of those
with limb absence about what motivates or precludes their participation in
physical activity, exercise and sport. Such knowledge could be applied to
improving health and wellbeing in this population.

Langue : ANGLAIS