Amputee mobility predictor-bilateral: a performance-based measure of mobility for people with bilateral lower-limb loss

J Rehabil Res Dev. 2013;50(7):961-8. doi: 10.1682/JRRD.2012.05.0097.

Abstract

The Amputee Mobility Predictor (AMP) is an outcome measure designed to assess mobility and functional capabilities for people with unilateral lower-limb amputation. No comparable measure exists for those with bilateral lower-limb amputation (BLLA). The purpose of this study was to examine the utility of the AMP-Bilateral (AMP-B) to measure the ability to perform functional tasks related to participation in advanced skill activities in those with BLLA and to determine whether AMP-B scores correlated with 6-minute walk test (6MWT) performance. Twenty-six male servicemembers (SMs) completed the study: 12 with bilateral transtibial amputation (BTTA), 7 with bilateral transfemoral amputation (BTFA), and 7 with combination transtibial and transfemoral amputation (TTA/TFA). Significant differences existed between the AMP-B scores (p < 0.001), AMP scores (p < 0.001), and 6MWT distance (p < 0.05) for SMs with BTTA and TTA/TFA and SMs with BTTA and BTFA but not between those with BTFA and TTA/TFA. Scoring of five AMP items was modified because they necessitate at least one intact knee joint to generate the necessary torque requirements to perform the activity without upper-limb assistance. Minor modifications in scoring of the AMP do not alter total score and allow clinicians to determine the mobility and functional capabilities of SMs with BTFA and TFA/TTA.

Keywords: 6-minute walk test; Amputee Mobility Predictor; Amputee Mobility Predictor-Bilateral; New Injury Severity Score; bilateral amputation; mobility; outcome measure; servicemembers; traumatic amputation; veterans.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Amputation, Traumatic / physiopathology*
  • Amputation, Traumatic / rehabilitation
  • Artificial Limbs*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Disability Evaluation
  • Exercise Test
  • Femur / injuries
  • Humans
  • Leg
  • Male
  • Military Personnel*
  • Mobility Limitation
  • Postural Balance / physiology
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Tibia / injuries
  • Trauma Severity Indices
  • United States
  • Walking / physiology*
  • Young Adult