Postamputation Cognitive Impairment Is Related to Worse Perceived Physical Function Among Middle-Aged and Older Prosthesis Users.
Matthew J Miller, Rashelle M Hoffman, Laura A Swink and 2 others
PMID 35123974WHAT IT FOUND
Middle-aged and older prosthesis users with cognitive impairment reported worse perceived physical function than those without.
Screening for cognitive changes during rehabilitation may help identify patients who need tailored support to improve mobility outcomes.
Key findings
01Participants with cognitive impairment had significantly worse perceived physical function scores compared to those without.
02Cognitive impairment remained an independent predictor of perceived physical function in the final statistical model.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTsWhat it means for SLPs
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What it does not show
The study is cross-sectional, so it cannot prove that cognitive impairment causes worse physical function, only that they are associated. The sample was largely non-Hispanic White men with unilateral transtibial amputations, which may limit generalizability to women or people with more complex amputations. Cognitive impairment was screened using a telephone tool that cannot distinguish between mild cognitive impairment, dementia, or reversible causes like depression. Data was collected remotely, which may introduce measurement bias for some outcomes.
Declared interests
Research supported by N.I.H., Extramural; Non-U.S. Gov't; and U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S. No other conflicts declared.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume cognitive impairment is the sole cause of poor mobility. The study shows an association, but factors like depression, prosthesis satisfaction, and chronic conditions were also significant predictors of worse function.