Hanger, Austin, Texas, announced the results of the largest
study of its kind that measured the correlation of mobility to quality
of life and patient satisfaction among people living with lower-limb
loss. The results of the Mobility Analysis of Amputees (MAAT I) study,
published online October 8 in Prosthetics & Orthotics International, demonstrated
a statistically significant direct correlation of higher mobility with
higher quality of life and patient satisfaction in a sample size of 509
patients.
Specifically,
mobility accounted for approximately one-quarter of the variance
associated with quality of life and general satisfaction (26.1 percent
and 22.6 percent, respectively). As a modifiable factor with significant
impact on both quality of life and satisfaction, prosthetic mobility
represents a substantial factor that should be addressed by the
rehabilitation team.
“Functional mobility is compromised in
individuals dealing with lower-limb loss, and this study provides strong
evidence that maximizing mobility should be considered a primary goal
in providing holistic patient care,” said James Campbell, PhD, CO,
FAAOP, chief clinical officer, Hanger Clinic.
Members of the
clinical and scientific affairs department of Hanger Clinic, including
Campbell; Shane R. Wurdeman, PhD, CP, FAAOP; and Phil M. Stevens, MEd,
CPO, FAAOP, began the study by performing a retrospective review of
outcomes data collected within multiple clinics. The data included the
Prosthetic Limb Users Survey of Mobility and the Prosthesis Evaluation
Questionnaire. Analysis included 509 current prosthesis users who were
18 years or older with varying lower-limb amputation levels that
included unilateral and bilateral amputations.
The MAAT I study is the first in a series Hanger Clinic is undertaking in support of the development of evidence-based care.
