ABSTRACT
High-energy expenditure during walking is one of the most important limiting factors for lower limb amputees. Although several physical training methods have been proposed to reduce energy expenditure, little is known about the effects of high-intensity interval training in lower limb amputees. This study aimed to test the effects of a 6-week high-intensity interval training protocol in subjects with lower limb amputation on walking distance, physiological cost of walking, and functional mobility. A quasi-experimental pre and post-study included 13 subjects with lower limb amputation. They performed 12 sessions of a high-intensity interval training protocol with a frequency of 2â days/week for 6â weeks. Walking distance, physiological cost of walking, and functional mobility before and after the training protocol were assessed. Walking distance increased from 204.48 to 229.09â m (Pâ =â 0.003), physiological cost of walking decreased from 0.66 to 0.31â beats/m (Pâ =â 0.001), and functional mobility improved from 30.38 to 33.61 points (Pâ =â 0.001). High-intensity interval training improved walking distance, physiological cost of walking, and functional mobility in subjects with lower limb amputation.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Evidence-based practice (EBP) has been widely implemented in different areas of biomedical sciences. However, no precedents in Argentina have investigated the data regarding the knowledge and difficulties related to EBP in physiotherapists. The purpose was to describe the self-reported behavior, knowledge, skills, opinion, and barriers related to the EBP of Argentinian physiotherapists. METHODS: A customized descriptive survey was conducted among 289 physical therapists in Argentina. The data were analyzed descriptively. RESULTS: The response rate was 56% (163/289). Argentinian physiotherapists update themselves through scientific articles, meetings, congresses, and courses. They reported having sufficient knowledge to use EBP, informing patients about treatment options, and considering their choices in the decision-making process. However, there were inconsistencies in responses regarding experience with EBP during undergraduate or postgraduate studies. The most frequently reported barriers were lack of time, difficulty in understanding statistics, and difficulties with the English language of scientific articles. DISCUSSION: EBP in Argentine physiotherapists is still poorly understood. Time, language, and difficulties in understanding statistics are the most important barriers to the implementation of EBP. Undergraduate and postgraduate courses are warranted to improve the clinical decision-making process.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: There is a gap in the research about the influence of wearing or not wearing a prosthesis for muscle strength assessment in transfemoral amputees (TFA) and how it is associated with functional mobility. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the muscle isometric strength of the residual limb with and without the prosthesis in people with TFA and to analyze associations between muscle strength and functional mobility. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: 20 subjects with TFA were included. A handheld dynamometer was used for the assessment of residual limb muscle strength. Functional mobility was assessed with the Timed Up and Go test. The Wilcoxon rank sum test with the rank biserial correlation effect size were used. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences when testing isometric strength of the residual limb with and without the prosthesis (flexion [ p = 0.007], extension [ p < 0.001], and abduction [ p = 0.003]). There was association between functional mobility and flexion and abduction strength with the prosthesis ( p = 0.005, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Measurements of muscle strength of the residual limb were different when assessed with and without the prosthesis. Isometric strength of the residual limb in abduction and flexion using the prosthesis were correlated with functional mobility.
