Prosthetics and Orthotics International最新文献

{"title":"The components of the instrumented timed-up-and-go test may explain balance impairments, gait and weight-bearing asymmetries, and trunk muscle activation disorders.","authors":"Raide A González-Carbonell, Igor Salinas-Sánchez","doi":"10.1097/PXR.0000000000000487","DOIUrl":"10.1097/PXR.0000000000000487","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Individuals with unilateral lower-limb amputation (LLA) are exposed to conditions such as low-back pain, which limit everyday activities and trunk musculature for stability.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To determine the trunk kinematics and muscle activation of lumbar-erector-spinae (LES) and rectus-abdominis during the instrumented timed-up-and-go (iTUG) test and its correlation with co-activation, muscle activation pattern, gait asymmetry, and center-of-pressure (CoP) sway measures between individuals with and without LLA.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The kinematic (trunk forward and lateral flexion, and rotation) and the ratio of muscle activation of LES over rectus-abdominis (LRR) were compared between LLA (n = 26) and the control (n = 16) performing the iTUG test, gait (symmetry-index [SI], co-activation index, and muscle activation pattern), and static test (measures of CoP sway).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The LLA group showed greater alterations in balance indicators than the control (iTUG duration, gait SI, weight-bearing SI, CoP-excursion, and CoP-velocity). The trunk's kinematic variables were higher during turn-to-sit than in sit-to-walk, but the LRR was higher during sit-to-walk. The turn-to-sit peak-angular-velocity significantly correlated with the LRR, co-activation index, gait SI, weight-bearing SI, and the measurements of CoP sway.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The peak-angular-velocity of the turn-to-sit component indicates balance impairment and trunk muscle disorders better than the iTUG duration or turning times. Slow turning movements may be linked to increased CoP sway, gait and weight-bearing asymmetries, and muscle activation issues in the LES during daily activities, which could raise the risk of low-back pain over time.</p>","PeriodicalId":49657,"journal":{"name":"Prosthetics and Orthotics International","volume":" ","pages":"297-303"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145287341","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Explicit and implicit racial attitudes among clinicians, educators, and students in orthotics and prosthetics.","authors":"Cody L McDonald, Lindi Mitsou, Abby Hoffman-Finitsis, John Brinkmann, Scott Bretl","doi":"10.1097/PXR.0000000000000461","DOIUrl":"10.1097/PXR.0000000000000461","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Racial health disparities are well documented in the United States. Implicit and explicit racial preferences can negatively affect patient-clinician communication and relationships and contribute to racial health disparities.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To examine the implicit and explicit racial attitudes in orthotics and prosthetics.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Cross-sectional survey.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>An online survey including the Race Attitudes Implicit Association Test was administered to a volunteer sample of clinicians, residents, students, and educators. Survey questions related to demographics, roles within orthotics and prosthetics, explicit racial preferences, and implicit racial bias. Implicit racial bias scores and group means were calculated. Group-level comparisons were made by role, gender, and race/ethnicity. Results were categorized using the 2-dimensional model of prejudice of Son Hing et al.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The survey was completed by 454 participants (clinicians/residents: 294; students: 136; and educators: 24). Most participants reported no explicit racial preference; however, implicit racial preference was similar to that of the general US population. The majority of participants were aversive racists (low explicit, high implicit; pro-White n = 201; pro-Black n = 29), with the next largest group being truly low prejudice (low explicit, low implicit; n = 206). Implicit racial bias was lowest among Black individuals with slight preference for Black people on average.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Implicit racial bias in the orthotic and prosthetic community is similar to the general US population and does not differ by role. Efforts to elucidate, examine, and interrupt implicit racial bias are needed in orthotics and prosthetics to prevent common racial attitudes from negatively influencing patient outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":49657,"journal":{"name":"Prosthetics and Orthotics International","volume":" ","pages":"348-356"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144235735","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessing prosthetic functionality and satisfaction in Malaysian lower limb amputees: A cross-sectional study.","authors":"Mohd Tajularif Ibrahim, Nur Afiqah Hashim, Nasrul Anuar Abd Razak, Noor Azuan Abu Osman, Hossein Gholizadeh, Suryani Dyah Astuti","doi":"10.1097/PXR.0000000000000492","DOIUrl":"10.1097/PXR.0000000000000492","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Understanding the physical capabilities, satisfaction levels, and challenges faced by prosthetic users is crucial for improving the quality of life and well-being of this population and informing the development of more effective prosthetic interventions.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To investigate the physical abilities, satisfaction levels, and personal experiences of lower limb amputees in Malaysia and identify key determinants associated with these factors with a specific focus on their utilization of prosthetics.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>A cross-sectional study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study recruited 70 people (34 transfemoral, 36 transtibial). Participants completed a comprehensive survey encompassing demographic information, amputation characteristics, details of prosthetic usage, physical capabilities, satisfaction levels, and reported challenges. All data were collected and analyzed using the SPSS software, with descriptive analysis and inferential statistics tests performed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>On average, participants wore prostheses for over 10 h every day. However, limitations were noted in performing certain physical activities, such as sports and stair climbing. Satisfaction levels varied across different aspects, with the highest satisfaction reported for walking on flat and uneven surfaces, while walking on stairs yielded lower satisfaction. Commonly reported issues included perspiration-related problems, skin irritation, and piston-related difficulties. The study found that self-reported comorbidities were significant influencers and correlated with the physical capabilities, satisfaction, and experiences of prosthetic users, whereas the level of amputation exhibited a lesser impact.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study reveals Malaysian lower limb amputees' prosthetic satisfaction and experiences. Key factors during design, fitting, and rehabilitation must be considered for improvement. Targeted interventions and further research are needed to address specific concerns in the Malaysian population.</p>","PeriodicalId":49657,"journal":{"name":"Prosthetics and Orthotics International","volume":" ","pages":"255-264"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145330734","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Lack of complex motor imagery ability and phantom limb pain: A surrogate for motor cortex plasticity reserve?","authors":"Maryela Menacho, Kevin Pacheco-Barrios, Anna C Gianlorenço, Felipe Fregni","doi":"10.1097/PXR.0000000000000493","DOIUrl":"10.1097/PXR.0000000000000493","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Individuals with amputation have a high prevalence of painful (PLP) and nonpainful limb sensations over a lifetime, and it has been suggested that phantom limb phenomena interfere with motor imagery ability because of loss of afferent information and brain reorganization.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To investigate the relationship between motor imagery and phantom limb painful and nonpainful sensations.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Detailed data from 15 transradial amputees evaluated in the MeganePro project were acquired. The data collected were the motor imagery ability scores assessed using the Vividness of Movement Imagery Questionnaire-2 and PLP and painful limb sensations measures.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A significant positive correlation was found between total external visual imagery score and phantom pain magnitude (r = 0.60, p = 0.01). In particular, a larger and stronger significant positive correlation was observed between the external visual imagery of the complex tasks, running (r = 0.57, p = 0.02), jumping sideways (r = 0.55, p = 0.03), and running downhill (r = 0.65, p = 0.001). In addition, a significant positive correlation was found between external and internal visual imagery scores corresponding to the activity \"swinging on a rope\" and phantom limb sensation average.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Our findings suggest a potential protective effect against PLP in subjects with the ability for more complex types of motor imagery, thus suggesting this modality of imagery may be a surrogate for better motor engagement and plasticity that would be protective against PLP, indicating that subjects with stronger motor cortex plasticity reserve would be protected against PLP.</p>","PeriodicalId":49657,"journal":{"name":"Prosthetics and Orthotics International","volume":" ","pages":"247-254"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145294208","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Validation and reliability of the prosthesis evaluation questionnaire-Thai version for lower-limb amputees.","authors":"Piyapat Dajpratham, Waraporn Anyapho, Weerasak Muangpaisan, Sutat Pattaravoratham, Marisa Amattayakul","doi":"10.1097/PXR.0000000000000502","DOIUrl":"10.1097/PXR.0000000000000502","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Prosthesis-specific outcome measures are essential for assessing the quality of life among lower-limb amputees. While the prosthesis evaluation questionnaire (PEQ) is internationally recognized and endorsed by the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics through the Consensus Outcome Measures for Prosthetic and Amputation Services framework, no culturally adapted Thai version currently exists.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To translate, culturally adapt, and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Thai version of the PEQ (PEQ-TH) for use among lower-limb prosthesis users in Thailand.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Cross-sectional validation study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Following standard cross-cultural adaptation guidelines, the PEQ was translated into Thai, back-translated, and reviewed by a multidisciplinary expert panel. Eighty-three lower-limb amputees from 5 rehabilitation centers completed the PEQ-TH and short form 36 health survey Thai version at baseline; 71 completed the PEQ-TH again after 14 days. Psychometric evaluation included content and construct validity, internal consistency (Cronbach alpha), test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients), and floor/ceiling effects.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The PEQ-TH demonstrated strong content validity (item-objective congruence = 0.99). Construct validity was supported by moderate correlations between PEQ-TH subscales (e.g., Ambulation, Social Burden) and corresponding short form 36 health survey Thai version domains. Internal consistency was acceptable for most subscales (α > 0.70), though Appearance, Well-Being, and Social Burden were marginally lower. Test-retest reliability ranged from moderate to good (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.55-0.76). No floor or ceiling effects were observed.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The PEQ-TH is a valid and reliable patient-reported outcome measure aligned with International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics's Lower Extremity Amputation Data set and Consensus Outcome Measures for Prosthetic and Amputation Services recommendations. It enables culturally relevant assessment of prosthesis-related quality of life in Thai lower-limb amputees and supports patient-centered care and outcome monitoring.</p>","PeriodicalId":49657,"journal":{"name":"Prosthetics and Orthotics International","volume":" ","pages":"283-289"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145349633","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Preliminary characterization of the relationship between clinical assessment of prosthetic fit using plasticine and in-socket pressure measurement in transtibial amputation.","authors":"Lucy Armitage, Kenny Cho, Angela Buller, Lauren Kark","doi":"10.1097/PXR.0000000000000464","DOIUrl":"10.1097/PXR.0000000000000464","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Currently, clinicians use a ball of plasticine to measure contact between the end of amputated residual limbs and prosthetic sockets to assess distal-end fit.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study characterizes the forces required to deform plasticine and relates these to clinical decisions made about socket fit.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Cross-sectional study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Loading thresholds for plasticine deformation were identified. Three different sized check sockets were loaded with a phantom limb, distal-end sensors, and in-situ plasticine. Three transtibial prosthesis users were recruited and completed a socket fitting assessment with distal end sensors and in-situ plasticine. Forces and deformations were recorded and compared with the thresholds and with prosthetist and prosthesis users' ratings of fit.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Plasticine deformation associated with a \"good fit\" was associated with loads of 4.8-48.5 N for 7- to 8-mm balls and 15.5-148 N for 10- to 11-mm balls. Plasticine deformation magnitudes alone could not detect differences between sockets of various sizes for a standardized limb model. Distal-end force sensors could differentiate between sockets to some extent. In the 3 transtibial prosthesis users, plasticine and force measurements aligned with the \"good fit\" reported by the prosthetist and the end user.</p><p><strong>C onclusions: </strong>This study has characterized the forces required to achieve clinically relevant types of plasticine deformation at the distal end of a socket. It has also related these plasticine deformations and distal-end force measurements to clinical judgements about socket fit in the clinic and end user ratings of comfort and fit. Future work should test these thresholds on end user and clinician ratings of poor fit.</p>","PeriodicalId":49657,"journal":{"name":"Prosthetics and Orthotics International","volume":" ","pages":"313-320"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144267811","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of fluctuation in the parallel force exerted on the buttocks on discomfort during sitting in experimental ergonomic chair with tilt-in-space and reclining functions.","authors":"Kenichi Kobara, Yasuyuki Nagata, Hisashi Takahashi, Hiroshi Osaka, Tadanobu Suehiro, Daisuke Fujita","doi":"10.1097/PXR.0000000000000481","DOIUrl":"10.1097/PXR.0000000000000481","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Tilt-in-space and reclining functions are commonly used to improve comfort in ergonomic seating. However, fluctuations in shear (parallel) forces on the buttocks during postural changes may cause discomfort, yet this relationship is not well understood.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To examine how combined use of tilt-in-space and reclining functions affects fluctuations in parallel forces on the buttocks, and how these fluctuations relate to subjective discomfort.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Cross-sectional experimental study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Nineteen healthy adult males (mean age: 27.7 ± 10.3 years) participated. An experimental ergonomic chair was used under 2 conditions: 1 with a seat-cover assembly that conforms to the back shape, and a control condition with a flat back-support. Participants experienced a 10 degrees tilt-in-space and reclining angles from 100 degrees to 130 degrees. Fluctuations in parallel forces on the buttocks were measured using a force plate, and subjective discomfort was assessed with a visual analog scale. Stepwise multiple regression was used to analyze associations between force fluctuation and discomfort.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The seat-cover assembly condition resulted in significantly lower visual analog scale scores (median: 4, interquartile range: 0-13) compared to the control (median: 46, interquartile range: 24-72; p < 0.01). Regression analysis revealed that only the fluctuation in parallel forces significantly predicted discomfort (β = 0.722, R² = 0.507, p < 0.01).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Fluctuations in parallel forces during tilt and recline use are significantly associated with discomfort. Ergonomic designs that reduce shear force variability may enhance seating comfort during postural adjustments.</p>","PeriodicalId":49657,"journal":{"name":"Prosthetics and Orthotics International","volume":" ","pages":"290-296"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144790555","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Longevity and effectiveness of 3D-printed transtibial prosthetic sockets in rural Sierra Leone: A pilot study with 2.5-year follow-up.","authors":"Merel van der Stelt, Lars Brouwers, Sallieu Jalloh, Osman Kamara, Martin Grobusch, Thomas Maal, Ruud Leijendekkers","doi":"10.1097/PXR.0000000000000465","DOIUrl":"10.1097/PXR.0000000000000465","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Prosthetic care is limited in low- and middle-income countries. Finding solutions to improve prosthetic accessibility is commendable, and 3D printing presents a potential solution.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To evaluate the durability and usage of 3D-printed transtibial prosthetic sockets, as well as to assess the impact of these prostheses on participants' functioning and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>A longitudinal cohort study with 2.5 year follow-up.</p><p><strong>Method s: </strong>Participants received a locally manufactured transtibial prosthesis with a 3D-printed prosthetic socket at the 3D Lab at Masanga Teaching Hospital in Sierra Leone. Baseline, 10-week, 9-month, 1.5-year, and 2.5-year follow-up assessments included (1) quantifying prosthetic longevity, (2) prosthetic use using activity sensors, (3) lower extremity functional status using the adopted Orthotics and Prosthetics User's Survey (OPUS) (range: 0-60), (4) disease-specific health-related quality of life using the adapted OPUS survey (range: 0-36), and (5) generic health-related quality of life using EQ-5D-3L (range: -0.145 to 0.9) and visual analog scale score (range: 0-10).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Nine participants participated in the study. Six prosthetic sockets exhibited damage after 361, 398, 399, 553, 641, and 756 days. One participant used the prosthesis for 2.5 years, another had their socket replaced due to socket size problems, and one was lost to follow-up. At 2.5 years, the median wear time was 12.4 (11.4-13.5) hours daily, with 6906 steps (4277-9792), 65% (51%-82%) while wearing the prosthesis. Median scores at follow-up compared with baseline were as follows: OPUS Function (47-55 points), OPUS disease-specific health-related quality of life (17-34 points), EQ-5D-3L (0.741-0.744), and visual analog scale (6-10 points).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Most prostheses were extensively used. The study underscores the need for research on enhancing the durability of 3D-printed sockets.</p>","PeriodicalId":49657,"journal":{"name":"Prosthetics and Orthotics International","volume":" ","pages":"265-274"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144217389","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Understanding barriers and facilitators to accessibility in the built and natural environment for people with lower limb loss: A qualitative study.","authors":"Stephanie R Cimino, Kristin Nugent, Michael W Payne, Ricardo Viana, Sander L Hitzig, Crystal MacKay, Amanda Mayo, Steven Dilkas, William C Miller, Susan W Hunter","doi":"10.1097/PXR.0000000000000471","DOIUrl":"10.1097/PXR.0000000000000471","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To explore the facilitators and barriers to community accessibility from the perspective of persons with lower limb amputation (LLA).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A qualitative study using an adapted version of the Photovoice methods described by Wang and Burris was undertaken. Analysis of the interviews and photos was conducted following thematic content analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Seven adults with LLA who were ambulating with a prosthesis at the time of the interview participated in the Photovoice interviews. From the interviews with the participants, 3 main themes were developed: (1) current state of accessibility, (2) impact of community inaccessibility, and (3) hope for the future. Participants described what accessibility currently involved in their community (eg, the positive and negative structures) as well as the impact of inaccessibility on their physical and emotional health. Participants also spoke about what improvements they would like to see in the future regarding community accessibility.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>By using the Photovoice methods, participants were able to provide tangible examples of what influences their community accessibility. This study highlights the broad range of changes that could provide accessibility opportunities for individuals with LLA from simple changes (eg, adding handrails to arenas) to more complex changes (eg, improvements in parking lot accessibility).</p>","PeriodicalId":49657,"journal":{"name":"Prosthetics and Orthotics International","volume":" ","pages":"229-236"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144762110","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Empowering amputees to lead fulfilling lives through accessible prosthetic rehabilitation: A journey toward bridging the gap with a pro bono application.","authors":"Susanna Catharina Curlewis, Surona Visagie","doi":"10.1097/PXR.0000000000000509","DOIUrl":"10.1097/PXR.0000000000000509","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In South Africa, persons with lower limb amputations face significant barriers to accessing prosthetic rehabilitation due to geographic, financial, and systemic constraints. mHealth applications offer a promising alternative, but evidence-based guidelines tailored to the study population are limited.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To identify evidence-based rehabilitation interventions that can inform a rehabilitation application for transtibial prosthetic users in South Africa.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>A qualitative descriptive design was applied in the study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Telephonic semistructured interviews were conducted with prosthetic users (n = 8), prosthetists (n = 8), and physiotherapists (n = 10). Content data analysis was performed, and data were triangulated to identify essential rehabilitation interventions that can be included in an application.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Findings recommended exercise interventions focusing on balance, weight-bearing, joint mobility, muscle strength, and gait retraining. Additional application features should include a rehabilitation roadmap, patient education, and access to peer support networks.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>An mHealth application incorporating evidence-based exercises and user-informed features can help overcome access barriers to prosthetic rehabilitation in South Africa. Such an application has the potential to enhance functional outcomes, promote self-management, and support healthcare providers in delivering consistent, quality rehabilitation.</p>","PeriodicalId":49657,"journal":{"name":"Prosthetics and Orthotics International","volume":" ","pages":"237-246"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145670527","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}