Use of physical activity measures in rehabilitation interventions following lower extremity amputation

Purpose of review: This systematic review aims to evaluate physical performance outcome tools that are used most frequently to assess rehabilitation interventions. The scope of this paper focused on outcomes used with established lower limb amputees when assessing interventions such as exercise
programs or changes in prescription published in the last five years.

Recent Findings: The most recorded outcome measures used across all the papers were timed walk tests and the Activity Balance Confidence Scale. Many outcomes did not produce statistically significant results with established amputee cohorts. Understanding the minimal important clinical difference is key.

Summary: The use of outcome measures is essential. Training and education are likely to increase the use of outcome measures. Quality of life measures are important in conjunction with physical outcomes. Simple timed walk tests are commonly used. These are in general easy to administer requiring a small space, limited equipment, and a short time frame.