Relationship between body image and physical functioning following rehabilitation for lower-limb amputation.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate change in body image and the association between body image at discharge and mobility 4 months after rehabilitation. A prospective cohort comprising adults older than or equal to 50 years of age undergoing rehabilitation for first major lower-limb amputation at an inpatient prosthetic rehabilitation program were assessed at discharge and 4 months after rehabilitation. Paired t-tests compared total Amputee Body Image Scale (ABIS), gait velocity, and L-test scores between discharge (T1) and 4 months (T2). Multivariable linear regression assessed relationship between ABIS scores and mobility. Nineteen participants completed assessments (mean±SD age=60.86±6.85 years; 63.20% male patients). Body image changed from T1 (43.58±7.83) to T2 (48.26±12.21), but was not statistically significant (P=0.063). Mobility significantly improved at T2. ABIS scores at T1 were not associated with mobility at T2. Mobility improved after discharge but was not related to body image at T1. Additional research on the impact of body image perception on patient outcomes after rehabilitation is needed.