Physical Activity After Amputation
Session Title
Other Abstracts
Faculty Mentor
Janet Wojcik, Ph.D.
College
College of Education
Department
Physical Education, Sport & Human Performance
Abstract
The cause of amputation of a limb are numerous, and there are many different types of amputations as well. Due to the difficulties of daily life, many amputees find it difficult to maintain a healthy amount of physical activity. For the amputee population, special training consideration are needed when designing an exercise program. In a BKA (Below Knee Amputation) literature review, targeted muscle reinnervation on a bionic prosthetic was analyzed to understand and enhance the communication between the brain and the prosthetic. In the study, they found two key points to consider. First, the pressure given on the non-prosthetic limb was greater in multiple tasks. Second, when measuring the joint angles while lifting a small object comparing the bionic and non-bionic prosthetic, they found that the patients with simple prosthetic had lower knee and ankle flex. This means that they were “lifting with their back” that lead to long term back and hip pain. Aerobic exercise programs should include 2-3 days per week at moderate intensity for 40-60 minutes per day. Rest intervals should be added according to the client’s pain tolerance since many amputees have pain at the distal end of the cut limb. Additionally, due to the lowered vasculature of the client due to the amputation process, cardiac clearance and considerations must be taken for this population. Resistance training is similar to the general population, at 2+ times per week at 60-70% of the individuals 1-repetition maximum at 8-12 reps. Cardiac and pain attentions must be considered when selecting exercises. Single joint exercises are recommended. Flexibility training will also align with the general population, at 2-3 or more days per week, each stretch held for around 10-30 seconds. Static and PNF stretching is preferred. Refrain from stretches that require balance. Amputees may have difficulty in motivation to do physical activity; therefore, being attentive to their preferences and concerns is an important factor to training this special population.
Course Assignment
EXSC 511 – Wojcik
Start Date
15-4-2023 12:00 PM
Physical Activity After Amputation
The cause of amputation of a limb are numerous, and there are many different types of amputations as well. Due to the difficulties of daily life, many amputees find it difficult to maintain a healthy amount of physical activity. For the amputee population, special training consideration are needed when designing an exercise program. In a BKA (Below Knee Amputation) literature review, targeted muscle reinnervation on a bionic prosthetic was analyzed to understand and enhance the communication between the brain and the prosthetic. In the study, they found two key points to consider. First, the pressure given on the non-prosthetic limb was greater in multiple tasks. Second, when measuring the joint angles while lifting a small object comparing the bionic and non-bionic prosthetic, they found that the patients with simple prosthetic had lower knee and ankle flex. This means that they were “lifting with their back” that lead to long term back and hip pain. Aerobic exercise programs should include 2-3 days per week at moderate intensity for 40-60 minutes per day. Rest intervals should be added according to the client’s pain tolerance since many amputees have pain at the distal end of the cut limb. Additionally, due to the lowered vasculature of the client due to the amputation process, cardiac clearance and considerations must be taken for this population. Resistance training is similar to the general population, at 2+ times per week at 60-70% of the individuals 1-repetition maximum at 8-12 reps. Cardiac and pain attentions must be considered when selecting exercises. Single joint exercises are recommended. Flexibility training will also align with the general population, at 2-3 or more days per week, each stretch held for around 10-30 seconds. Static and PNF stretching is preferred. Refrain from stretches that require balance. Amputees may have difficulty in motivation to do physical activity; therefore, being attentive to their preferences and concerns is an important factor to training this special population.
