Perceived independence and limitations in rising and sitting down after rehabilitation for a lower-limb amputation

Objective: To study perceived independence in rising and perceived limitations in rising and sitting down in persons after a lower-limb amputation and the relationship of these perceptions with personal and clinical characteristics.Design: Cross-sectional study.Subjects/patients: Persons with a lower-limb amputation wearing a prosthesis (n=172).Methods: Perceived independence in rising was assessed with the Locomotor Capabilities Index. Limitations in rising and sitting down were assessed with the Questionnaire Rising and Sitting down. Multivariate logistic and linear regression analyses, respectively, were used to investigate the associations between independence and limitations in rising and sitting down, and personal and clinical characteristics.Results: Of the participants, 91% and 47% perceived independence in rising from a chair and rising from the floor, respectively. Older participants and women perceived less independence in rising. Participants perceived marked limitations in rising and sitting down, with those rehabilitated in a nursing home perceiving more limitations.Conclusion: After a lower-limb amputation, most persons wearing a prosthesis are able to rise independently from a chair, but many perceive decreased independence in other forms of rising, especially older participants and women. Participants, especially those rehabilitated in a nursing home, perceive considerable limitations in rising and sitting down. However, in those patients rehabilitated in a nursing home these limitations may be due to indication bias.