Promoting Physical Activity Following Dysvascular Amputation

Loss of a lower limb due to diabetes can have a devastating impact on physical and mental health and quality of life. Individuals are at risk of other diseases such as cardiovascular disease, loss of the other limb and death. Physical activity can reduce risk of chronic disease and improve health outcomes; however, physical activity levels in people with limb loss are low, often due to reduced balance and walking ability. Rehabilitation services are not readily available and the cost of delivering such programs remains high. Working with individuals with lower limb amputation, we created a virtual, peer-led physical activity behaviour change intervention called IMproving Physical Activity through Coaching and Technology following Lower Limb Loss (IMPACT-L3). We will conduct a pilot study to assess feasibility and optimize design of a future trial of effectiveness.