New Exercise Guidelines for Adults with Lower-Limb Amputations

Researchers and clinicians with expertise in lower-limb loss developed evidence-based physical activity recommendations for those living with lower-limb amputations—which suggested a moderate to vigorous exercise standard.

The researchers used the Appraisal of Guideline, Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II tool and formed a panel of clinicians and researchers with expertise in lower-limb loss and guideline development, people with lower-limb amputations, and a nonprofit advocacy organization for people with limb loss. The panel then met to refine the scope of the guidelines, review the evidence (based on a systematic review), and formulate the guidelines.

For benefits in balance and mobility outcomes, adults with a unilateral major lower-limb amputations of any etiology, living in the community, and using a prosthesis, should perform at least 60 minutes per week of moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise combined with strengthening or balance exercises. Strengthening exercises should include at least three sets of ten repetitions of strengthening exercises for the major muscle groups of the lower limbs at least twice per week. Balance exercises should include at least 20 minutes of balance exercises three times per week. There was insufficient evidence, however, to make recommendations for other fitness-related outcomes, the researchers and clinicians concluded.

The study, “Development of physical activity recommendations for adults living with lower limb amputation” was published in Disability and Rehabilitation.