Quality of life and functional assessment in lower limb prosthetic patients at a referral outpatient clinic in Brazil
Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Limb amputation is one is one of the main causes of human physical disability. Objective: Here, we carried out a functional and quality of life assessment of 172 lower limb amputees treated at a large outpatient clinic in Brazil. Method: This quantitative study was based on The Functional Measure for Amputees questionnaire (FMA) applied during medical consultations. Results: Most patients, particularly males, younger individuals and those with below-the-knee amputations, were able to independently perform daily tasks at home while using prostheses. In community ambulation, the use of support such as a cane and crutches were common, especially by women. Conclusion: Rehabilitation proved effective, leading to an average prosthesis usage of over 11 hours per day. The primary limitations to prosthesis use were perceptions of insufficient speed, fatigue, long distances to be covered and fear of falling.
Source: Acta Fisiátrica
Institution: Associação de Assistência à Criança Deficiente
Language: English
Subfield: Biomedical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4407100868