Attitudes and beliefs towards physical activity participation in individuals with below-knee amputation

Abstract

An amputation causes irreversible life-changing impairments as well as physical and mental changes. Individuals with an amputation face major challenges in terms of physical function, affecting activities of daily living and participation in regular physical activity. Exploring the views of individuals with a below-knee amputation towards physical activity is necessary for broadening understanding of perceptions, including motivations and barriers. Participants were recruited from respondents who had completed a survey that explored physical activity in people with a below-knee amputation. Semi-structured interviews conducted via telephone were audiorecorded and analysed using the general inductive approach. Seven individuals with a below-knee amputation were included in this study. Two broad categories were identified: personal factors and support factors. Within these categories four subcategories arose: attitudes, health, social support, environment and services. We found that both internal and external factors influence the perceptions of individuals with an amputation towards physical activity. These factors also largely interacted with each other. In addition, current and previous activity levels influenced views towards physical activity. Behaviour change interventions, such as motivational interviewing, may improve physical activity participation of individuals with a below-knee amputation.