Virtual Assessment of Functional Mobility in Lower Extremity Prosthesis Clients: An Exploratory Study

• Published in: Archives of rehabilitation research and clinical translation 2024-09, Vol.6 (3), p.100355, Article 100355
• Main Authors: DadeMatthews, Oluwagbemiga, Roper, Jaimie A., Vazquez, Adan, Shannon, David, Sefton, JoEllen M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Artificial limb; Home-based rehabilitation; Leg amputation, Physical performance; Original Research; Rehabilitation
• ISSN: 2590-1095; 2590-1095
• DOI: 10.1016/j.arrct.2024.100355

•Limited information exists regarding the use of home-based virtual care in prosthetic rehabilitation, and this pilot study explored the feasibility of virtual mobility assessment in lower limb prosthesis clients at home.•The study results showed a strong relationship between the prosthesis clients’ self-perception of lower extremity function and a home-based virtual evaluation of mobility by a clinician.•The findings suggest that the virtual mobility assessment may be a feasible complement to in-person mobility assessment. This will inform future virtual intervention studies on lower limb prosthesis client rehabilitation in nonclinical settings. To investigate the relationship between patient perception of lower extremity function and a home-based virtual clinician assessment of mobility in lower limb prosthesis clients. Descriptive observational study using a clinician-administered functional mobility survey and timed Up and Go test to assess lower extremity function under supervision. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-compliant online virtual platform. Twelve lower limb loss clients currently using prostheses, aged ≥19 years, not pregnant, and with no stroke, seizure disorder, or cancer. Not applicable. Main outcomes were mobility survey scores and mean timed Up and Go duration. Most participants reported significant ease of completing basic indoor ambulation and toileting tasks (66%-75%) and significant difficulty in running or prolonged ambulation activities (83%) requiring use of lower limb prosthesis. Timed Up and Go test was faster (11.0±2.9 s) than the reference range for transtibial prosthesis users and negatively associated with self-reported lower extremity functional status (r=−.70, P=.02). Self-reported movement with lower limb prostheses at home and evaluation of mobility via a virtual platform is a feasible assessment modality that may reduce the frequency of therapy visits, defray some rehabilitation costs, and minimize the travel burden to distant prosthetic clinics.