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.