A Comparison of Objectively Measured Free-Living Physical Behaviour in Adults with and without Lower Limb Amputation.

UNLABELLED

Objectively monitored free-living physical behaviours of adults with and without lower limb amputation (LLA) were compared.

METHODS

57 adults with LLA wore an activPAL3™ for 8 days. A comparison data set ( = 57) matched on gender, age and employment status was used. Variables included: time sitting; standing; stepping; sit-to-stand transitions; step count and cadence. Comparisons were made between adults with and without LLA and between gender, level and cause of amputation.

RESULTS

Participants with LLA due to trauma versus circulatory causes were less sedentary and more active; however, no difference in physical behaviour was recorded across gender or level of amputation. Participants with LLA spent more time sitting ( < 0.001), less time standing and stepping ( < 0.001) and had a lower step count ( < 0.001). Participants with LLA took more steps in cadence bands less than 100 steps·min and fewer steps in cadence bands greater than 100 steps·min compared to participants without LLA.

CONCLUSIONS

People with LLA were less active and more sedentary than people without LLA and participated in less activity at a moderate or higher intensity when matched on age, gender and employment. Interventions are needed to promote active lifestyles in this population.