Exercise for falls prevention in lower limb amputees_V1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exercise training to maximise musculoskeletal function for falls prevention in lower-limb amputees: A randomised control trial
IRAS ID
157393
Contact name
Natalie Vanicek
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Hull
Research summary
In the UK, there are approximately 5-6,000 new referrals to prosthetic services centres every year. Approximately 70% of lower-limb amputations are related to ischemia/dysvascularity (e.g.,vascular-related diabetes) and typically occur in men over 60 years of age. Moreover, 52% of lower limb amputees fall each year, and 75% fall two or more times.
The aim of this Project is to undertake a targeted exercise programme in lower-limb amputees and evaluate its effectiveness at improving daily function and performance and ultimately falls prevention. Whilst there has been much work done on exercise for improved function in older adults, there are no published journal articles relating to exercise as a tool for falls prevention and better function in lower-limb amputees, making the framework for this study novel. Moreover, many prosthetic rehabilitation centres do not offer structured exercise classes for lower-limb amputees. The randomised control trial (RCT) study design in this Project will use a group of lower-limb amputees recruited in and around the Hull and Yorkshire area. The participants will be randomly placed into either an 1) exercise group or 2) control (no exercise) group to allow us to determine the effectiveness of the exercise programme at slowing down muscle loss, improving strength and balance and reducing falls over a minimum 12-month period. All participants will undergo biomechanical testing pre- and post-exercise period to evaluate the effectiveness of the programme.
The evidence-based, graded exercise programme will be designed specifically for below and above knee amputees based on their pre-testing and combine functional tasks (walking, balance, strength and flexibility). Participants in the exercise group will take part in a partly supervised (once a week) and home-based (2-3 times per week) exercise programme. Participants in the no-exercise group will be asked not to change their normal weekly physical activity levels.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/YH/1138
Date of REC Opinion
10 Nov 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion