A Comparison of Objectively Measured Free-Living Physical Behaviour in Adults with and without Lower Limb Amputation.

Unlabelled: Objectively monitored free-living physical behaviours of adults with and without lower limb amputation (LLA) were compared.

Methods: 57 adults with LLA wore an activPAL3™ for 8 days. A comparison data set ( = 57) matched on gender, age and employment status was used. Variables included: time sitting; standing; stepping; sit-to-stand transitions; step count and cadence. Comparisons were made between adults with and without LLA and between gender, level and cause of amputation.

Results: Participants with LLA due to trauma versus circulatory causes were less sedentary and more active; however, no difference in physical behaviour was recorded across gender or level of amputation. Participants with LLA spent more time sitting ( < 0.001), less time standing and stepping ( < 0.001) and had a lower step count ( < 0.001). Participants with LLA took more steps in cadence bands less than 100 steps·min and fewer steps in cadence bands greater than 100 steps·min compared to participants without LLA.

Conclusions: People with LLA were less active and more sedentary than people without LLA and participated in less activity at a moderate or higher intensity when matched on age, gender and employment. Interventions are needed to promote active lifestyles in this population.