Title : Predicting risk factors for falls among lower limb prosthetic users —A cross-sectional study
Abstract:
Background: People who use prosthetics are more likely to fall, which can cause injuries, decreased mobility, psychological anguish, and loss of confidence. These outcomes can eventually impact their independence and quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate variables that predict the risk of lower limb amputees’ falling while using a prosthesis.
Materials and Methods: From October 2023 to February 2025, a tertiary care facility conducted this cross-sectional study. Participants in the study were to be ambulatory lower limb amputees, aged 18 to 60, and had been wearing a prosthetic > 3 months. Demographics, length of prosthesis use, and level of amputation were used to determine fall risk. The Biodex Balance System was used to evaluate fall risk, and the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) questionnaire was used to measure fear of falling.
Results: The mean age of the 96 participants was 40.5±14.6 years. Tansfemoral amputees (p<0.001) and those wearing a prosthesis < a year (p=0.021) were considerably more likely to experience falls. Fall-related concerns were moderate for 56.6% of participants. The fear of falling was the least concerning for unilateral transtibial amputees (91.7%) and those who had been wearing a prosthesis > a year (91.7%).
Conclusions: The level of amputation and length of prosthetic usage are the most essential characteristics linked to fall risk. Therefore, early surgical intervention to obtain the maximum length of residual stump, early rehabilitation, balancing training, and individualized prosthetic adaptation programs are key to enhancing functional results and lowering fall risk among lower limb amputees.
