The Investigation of Prosthetic Rehabilitation Outcomes Following a Lower Limb Amputation in the Oldest Old
Abstract
This thesis sought to investigate the changing characteristics of people with lower limb amputations (LLAs) who participate in prosthetic rehabilitation programs and evaluate an under-investigated subgroup; the oldest old (aged 80 years and older). Study 1 included 601 consecutive admissions to a Canadian prosthetic rehabilitation program from 2012 to 2019. Although participant’s age did not increase at admission over time, individuals presented with a higher number of comorbidities each year. Participants were admitted from amputation surgery faster over time. Study 2 assessed functional prosthetic rehabilitation outcomes for the oldest old against participants aged 50 to 79 years old. Despite the oldest old having reduced balance confidence compared to all other age groups, they demonstrated similar potential for walking ability. These findings show that the participant profile is changing for individuals accepted for prosthetic rehabilitation, and advanced age alone should not be a disqualifying factor for admission to these programs.