Article

Patterns and ease of stair ambulation influence amputees' level of
satisfaction with their rehabilitation, confidence level, and motivation for
continued rehabilitation, demonstrating the importance of stair-ascent data for
rehabilitation. However, little is known about the determinants of stair-ascent
patterns in unilateral transfemoral amputees. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the
factors affecting stair-ascent patterns in transfemoral amputees. STUDY DESIGN:
Cross-sectional survey. METHODS: Stair-ascent patterns were evaluated using the
Stair Assessment Index. We collected Stair Assessment Index data as well as
demographic and clinical data (sex, age, height, mass, amputation side, reason
for amputation, time since amputation, and residual limb length) from 25
transfemoral amputees. RESULTS: Statistical analyses revealed that age was
negatively correlated and time since amputation was positively correlated with
Stair Assessment Index. In contrast, height, body mass, and residual limb lengths
were not correlated with Stair Assessment Index. CONCLUSION: The results of this
study suggest that in unilateral transfemoral amputee, (1) both age and time
since amputation could affect stair-climbing patterns and (2) residual limb
length should not be a limiting factor for stair climbing if the transfemoral
amputee has a certain minimum residual limb length. CLINICAL RELEVANCE:
Rehabilitation teams should carefully consider nonmodifiable predisposing factors
such as age and time since amputation. However, they may be able to carry on
stair-ascent rehabilitation for transfemoral amputees disregarding residual limb
length (depending on the length).

Langue : ANGLAIS