Validity of measures for life space mobility and physical activity in older adults with lower-limb amputation. Issue 5 (31st October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Esfandiari, Elham; Miller, William C; Tao, Gordon; Imam, Bita; Misaghi, Ehsan; Lindstrom, Heather; Payne, Michael W.C.
• Is Part Of: Prosthetics and orthotics international. Volume 45:Issue 5(2021)
• Page Start: 428
• Page End: 433
• Publication Date: 2021-10-31
• Subjects: rehabilitation -- older adult -- physical function -- physical activity -- lower-limb amputation; Orthopedic apparatus -- Periodicals; Prosthesis -- Periodicals; Implants, Artificial -- Periodicals; 617.905
• DOI: 10.1097/PXR.0000000000000032
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0309-3646

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Older adults with lower-limb amputations (LLAs) often experience lack of confidence and poor balance, which limits their mobility. There are few validated measures for assessing these outcomes in the LLA population. Objectives: To assess the validity of the Life Space Assessment (LSA) and the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) for older adults with LLA. Study design: Secondary analyses of cross-sectional data. Methods: Sixty-eight older adults with LLA across Canada were recruited to complete the LSA and the PASE. Validity was assessed via correlations with the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC), Four-Square Step Test (FSST), and Two-Minute Walk Test (2-MWT). Results: As hypothesized, the LSA was positively correlated with the ABC ( ρ = 0.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.17, 0.62]) and 2-MWT (r = 0.49, 95% CI [0.27, 0.70]) and negatively correlated with FSST ( ρ = −0.39, 95% CI [−0.56, −0.10]). The PASE was positively correlated with the ABC ( ρ = 0.34, 95% CI [0.10, 0.56]) and 2-MWT ( ρ = 0.32, 95% CI [0.05, 0.52]), and negatively correlated with FSST ( ρ = −0.36, 95% CI [−0.53, −0.07]). Conclusions: The LSA has validity in measuring life space mobility. The PASE captures the physical activity with weaker support of validity in older adults with LLA. Clinical relevance: The LSA and PASE are quick low-cost tools for clinicians to assess mobility-related functional health and physical activity, respectively, in older adults with LLA. However, the PASE may contain activities that are not common among older adults with LLA.