Physical activity barriers and enablers in older Veterans with lower-limb amputation

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Physical activity barriers and enablers in older
Veterans with lower-limb amputation

• Alyson J. Littman, PhD Edward J. Boyko, MD
  Mary Lou Thompson, PhD Jodie K. Haselkorn, MD
  Bruce J. Sangeorzan, MD David E. Arterburn, MD

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• Aim
• For older Veterans with lower-limb amputation
  (LLA), describe
• Types of physical activity most commonly
  performed.
• Correlates of physical activity.
• Factors preventing vs promoting physical
  activity.
• Relevance
• Little is known about types of physical
  activities that older individuals with LLA
  perform.

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Method

• Exploratory study in 158 older Veterans from
  Pacific Northwest with LLA
• Partial foot (35).
• Below-knee (39).
• Above-knee (26).
• Demographics
• 98 of survey respondents were male.
• Average 65 yr old.
• Average 15 yr postamputation.
• 36 of amputations were trauma-related.

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Results

• Most commonly reported physical activities
• Walking/wheeling (65), muscle strengthening
  (42), exercise prescribed by therapist (32),
  gardening (31).
• 43 classified as physically active.
• Positive correlates
• Vigorous preamputation physical activity.
• Negative correlates
• Low wealth and watching 5 h/d of TV/videos.
• Barriers
• Knowledge and interest/motivation.
• Facilitators
• Family support and financial assistance.

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Conclusion

• To increase physical activity in older amputee
  population, interventions should
• Address motivational issues.
• Address knowledge gaps.
• Address TV watching.
• Reduce financial barriers to exercising.
• Consider involving family members.