Physical activity patterns following major lower limb amputation

Katarzyna Wójtowicz; Agata Walczak; Wiktoria Gajek-Flanczewska; Małgorzata Wirkijowska; Paulina Woźniak; Sebastian Flanczewski; Jakub Wirkijowski; Ewa Wietrzykowska; Martyna Śliwińska; Anna Podraza; Dominika Sobolewska; Katarzyna Michalczyk-Fraszka

doi:10.12775/JEHS.2025.77.56805

Authors

Katarzyna Wójtowicz Central Clinical Hospital, Banacha 1A, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0009-3914-7804
Agata Walczak National Medical Institute of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration, Wołoska 137, 02-507, Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-7023-634X
Wiktoria Gajek-Flanczewska Central Clinical Hospital, Banacha 1A, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-8875-433X
Małgorzata Wirkijowska Formmed Center for Treatment of Congenital Defects and Malformations, ul. Warszawska 197D, Babice Nowe https://orcid.org/0009-0003-5857-965X
Paulina Woźniak Central Clinical Hospital, Banacha 1A, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-9626-1062
Sebastian Flanczewski Central Clinical Hospital, Banacha 1A, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-8461-2806
Jakub Wirkijowski Independent Public Clinical Hospital of Prof. W. Orlowski, Czerniakowska 231, 00-401, Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0007-9882-9341
Ewa Wietrzykowska The Municipal Polyclinical Hospital in Olsztyn, ul. Niepodległości 44, 10-045 Olsztyn https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5510-9007
Martyna Śliwińska Regional Center of Blood Donation and Blood Treatment, Saska 63/75, 03-948 Warsaw https://orcid.org/0009-0008-2757-5660
Anna Podraza Medical University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 61, 02-091 Warsaw https://orcid.org/0009-0008-4214-3882
Dominika Sobolewska The Municipal Polyclinical Hospital in Olsztyn, ul. Niepodległości 44, 10-045 Olsztyn https://orcid.org/0009-0004-4048-3489
Katarzyna Michalczyk-Fraszka University Clinical Hospital in Olsztyn, Aleja Warszawska 30, 11-041 Olsztyn https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5596-6517

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12775/JEHS.2025.77.56805

Keywords

Amputation, Artificial limbs, Rehabilitation, Para-Sports

Abstract

Introduction and aim of study: Lower limb amputation is one of the most common acquired disabilities. The main aim of the study was to assess global trends regarding the procedure, investigate the current trends in post-amputation care, particularly in terms of returning to physical fitness, and identify potential fields of interest in order to improve the everyday life of people with lower limb amputation.

Materials and methods: The authors based this review paper on a widespread analysis of scientific articles published in Science Direct, PubMed, UpToDate, Cochrane, Springer, and Google Scholar, the 2021 Global Burden of Disease Study, and government platforms.

Results: The collected information emphasizes the existence of numerous barriers discouraging from participating in sports. The post-amputation care is crucial and requires a multidisciplinary team approach. Chronic pain restricts physical activity significantly. Different types of movement focused on specific muscle groups improve functionality.

Conclusions: Disability as a result of lower limb amputation is a significant social issue requiring more action to improve its visibility. New strategies ought to be implemented to educate people with disabilities on the importance of physical activity. The new technologies that are currently under investigation may bring some novelty to the topic in the future.

Keywords: Amputation, Artificial limbs, Rehabilitation, Para-Sports

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Physical activity patterns following major lower limb amputation

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Physical activity patterns following major lower limb amputation

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