Impact of a Four-Session Physical Therapy Program Emphasizing Manual Therapy and Exercise on the Balance and Prosthetic Walking Ability of People with Lower-Limb Amputation: A Pilot Study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Purpose No consensus exists regarding best practice for prosthetic rehabilitation programs after unilateral lower-limb amputation. A program integrating manual therapy with exercise for people using lower-limb prostheses has not been systematically investigated. The objectives of this pilot study were to determine whether a four-session physical therapy program of manual therapy, exercise, and functional training would (1) be feasible for people with lower-limb amputation and (2) produce medium to large effect size changes in balance and walking ability and self-reported prosthetic function. Methods Five subjects were recruited for this pretest-posttest design pilot study. Outcome measures included self-report scales (Houghton Scale, Prosthetics Evaluation Questionnaire, fear of falling, and Activities-Specific Balance Confidence) and clinical performance assessments: Berg Balance Scale, 2-minute walk test, and timed up and go test. One week after the four-session manual therapy, exercise, and functional training program concluded, measures were reassessed. Effect size d and Wilcoxon P values were calculated. Results Five subjects (average age, 54.0 years), with unilateral amputations of mixed etiology and level, completed the study without adverse event. Berg Balance Scale (d = 1.7, p < 0.05), timed up and go (d = 1.05, p > 0.05), and 2-minute walk test (d = 1.18, p < 0.05) had large effect size changes. Conclusions A four-session program of manual therapy, exercise, and functional training proved feasible and increased balance and walking ability in people with lower-limb amputation. Controlled research to determine the effects of manual therapy and exercise in this population appears warranted.