What are the barriers and enablers that people with a lower limb amputation experience when walking in the community?

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Batten, Heather
Lamont, Robyn
Kuys, Suzanne
McPhail, Steven
Mandrusiak, Allison
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2019
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Abstract

Purpose: To explore barriers and enablers to community walking perceived by people with lower limb amputation. Materials and methods: Three focus groups (n = 14 participants), using purposive sampling, were conducted with people with lower limb amputation who used a prosthesis to walk in the community. Three investigators analyzed transcripts using thematic content analysis. Results: Themes aligned with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health domains. Barriers related to body function and structure included prosthetic function, residual limb integrity, phantom limb pain and other medical issues, with optimal prosthetic function and adequate fitness identified as enablers. Personal barriers included challenges adjusting to change, whereas personal enablers included being able to adjust to change, having a positive attitude, goal setting and a purpose for community walking. Environmental barriers included physical (e.g., terrain, crowds, climate) and social (e.g., unwanted attention and finances). Environmental enablers included aids, transport, preparation, social support and finances. Community walking was essential to participation in work, leisure, social activities and family roles. Conclusion: Walking in the community for people with a lower limb amputation presents many barriers, but enablers have also been identified. Targeted assessments and interventions, and appropriate environmental planning may assist in minimizing barriers to community walking.

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Disability and Rehabilitation

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This publication has been entered into Griffith Research Online as an Advanced Online Version.

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Medical and Health Sciences

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Batten, H; Lamont, R; Kuys, S; McPhail, S; Mandrusiak, A, What are the barriers and enablers that people with a lower limb amputation experience when walking in the community?, Disability and Rehabilitation, pp. 1-7

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