Physical activity barriers and enablers in older Veterans with lower-limb amputation

Little is known about the types of physical activities that older individuals with lower-limb loss perform, correlates of regular physical activity (PA), and barriers and facilitators to PA. We conducted an exploratory study in 158 older Veterans from the Pacific Northwest with a partial foot (35%), below-knee (39%), and above-knee (26%) amputation. Ninety-eight percent of survey respondents were male, on average 65 yr of age and 15 yr postamputation; 36% of amputations were trauma-related. The most commonly reported physical activities were walking/wheeling (65%), muscle strengthening (42%), exercise prescribed by a physical or occupational therapist (32%), and gardening (31%). Forty-three percent were classified as physically active based on weekly moderate-and vigorous-intensity PA. History of vigorous preamputation PA was positively associated with being active, while low wealth and watching 5 h/d or more of television/videos were inversely associated. While pain-and resource-related barriers to PA were most frequently reported, only knowledge-related and interest/motivation-related barriers were inversely associated with being active. Family support and financial assistance to join a gym were the most commonly reported factors that would facilitate PA. To increase PA in the older amputee population, interventions should address motivational issues, knowledge gaps, and television watching; reduce financial barriers to exercising; and consider involving family members.