Greater social adjustment and higher aesthetic prosthesis satisfaction were associated with higher physical activity levels among people with lower limb amputations, with age and use of walking aid devices also serving as significant predictors collectively accounting for 34% of the variance in physical activity.
Key Findings
Results
Physical activity was significantly associated with social adjustment, restriction to physical activities, and aesthetic satisfaction with the prosthesis in people with lower limb amputation.
Associations were identified between physical activity and social adjustment, restriction to physical activity, and aesthetic satisfaction with the prosthesis
Physical activity was assessed using the Physical Activity Scale for Individuals with Physical Disabilities (PASIPD)
Psychosocial adjustment, restriction to activities, and prosthesis satisfaction were assessed using the Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experience Scale - Revised (TAPES-R)
The final sample consisted of 64 participants from an initial recruitment of 93 people with lower limb amputation
Results
Age and use of walking aid devices were significant predictors of physical activity, with these variables collectively accounting for 34% of the variance in physical activity.
The model fit statistics were R² = 0.34, F = 5.46, p < .001
Ambulation without assistive devices was associated with higher physical activity levels
As age advances, physical activity in this population tends to decline
The mean age of the final sample was 50.29 ± 14.29 years
Results
Greater social adjustment was associated with higher physical activity levels among people with lower limb amputations.
Social adjustment was one of the psychosocial variables measured using the TAPES-R
Adjustment to amputation and prosthesis use involves complex physical and psychosocial challenges
The association between social adjustment and physical activity was identified as a statistically significant predictor in the final model
Results
Higher aesthetic prosthesis satisfaction was associated with higher physical activity levels in people with lower limb amputation.
Aesthetic satisfaction with the prosthesis was one of the significant predictors of physical activity
Prosthesis satisfaction was assessed using the Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experience Scale - Revised (TAPES-R)
This finding suggests a relationship between how individuals perceive the appearance of their prosthesis and their engagement in physical activity
Methods
The study sample had a mean age of 50.29 years and experienced a notable reduction from initial recruitment to final sample size.
Ninety-three people with lower limb amputation were initially recruited; however, 64 remained in the final sample
Mean age of the final sample was 50.29 ± 14.29 years
The study population consisted of people with lower limb amputation who used prostheses
What This Means
This research examined how physical activity relates to psychological and social wellbeing, as well as satisfaction with prosthetic limbs, in 64 adults living with lower limb amputation. The researchers measured participants' physical activity levels alongside their social adjustment, feelings of restriction in daily activities, and how satisfied they were with various aspects of their prostheses. They found that people who were better socially adjusted and more satisfied with the appearance of their prosthesis tended to be more physically active.
The study also found that being able to walk without assistive devices like canes or walkers was linked to higher physical activity levels, while older age was associated with lower physical activity. Together, these factors — social adjustment, aesthetic prosthesis satisfaction, use of walking aids, and age — explained about one-third (34%) of the differences in physical activity levels seen across participants.
This research suggests that supporting the psychosocial wellbeing of people with amputations, including their sense of social connection and comfort with their prosthesis appearance, may be important for encouraging more active lifestyles. Rehabilitation programs might benefit from addressing not just physical function but also social adjustment and prosthesis-related satisfaction as part of comprehensive care for people with lower limb amputations.
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Luza L, da Silva D, Ferreira E, Dos Santos P, Pires G, Gutierres Filho P, et al.. (2026). Associations between physical activity, psychosocial adjustment and prosthesis satisfaction in people with lower limb amputation.. Journal of bodywork and movement therapies. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2026.05.021