Masters Thesis

Beyond Formal Rehabilitation: The Physical Activity Experiences of Individuals with Lower Limb Amputation

Amputation of the lower limb is a permanent physical occurrence that results in a myriad of significant life changes, such as considerable physical and functional disability and psychosocial consequences. Today, about 1.7 million Americans are living with limb loss and over 150,000 amputations are performed each year in the United States. PURPOSE: To explore the physical activity experiences of people with lower limb amputation (LLA) following discharge from out-patient physical therapy or other formal rehabilitation. METHODS: A qualitative design utilized interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) for exploring the physical activity experiences of eight individuals (18-60 yrs) with traumatic LLA. Data were collected using semi-structured interviewing and reflexive journaling. Data were analyzed through transcribing interviews verbatim and then reviewing and coding them using Colaizzi's (1978) phenomenological method. RESULTS: Themes fell under these five phenomena that emerged from the data: (1) the nature of aftercare, (2) freedom and restriction of prosthesis use, (3) the role of relationships, (4) identity -from the outside and from the inside, and (5) the desire to be on the move. CONCLUSION: The emerging phenomena and themes support the view that experiencing participation in physical activity after discharge from formal rehabilitation can significantly contribute to the redevelopment of social and self-identity, consequently facilitating the physical and psychosocial health of individuals with LLA. Findings provide knowledge from the 'insider's perspective' on how to support individuals with LLA in their physical activity participation and 'return to functionality' and can inform future research and clinical practice in rehabilitative care, prosthetic management, and physical activity prescription.

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