Rehabilitation Outcomes and Functional Performance in an Older Adult with Transfemoral Amputation: A Case Study
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Abstract
Background: Transfemoral amputation in older adults is associated with substantial mobility limitation, balance impairment, increased energy demand during ambulation, reduced prosthetic control, and loss of independence, particularly in the presence of vascular and metabolic comorbidities. Objective: To describe functional mobility, walking endurance, balance, prosthetic mobility, and independence after a structured outpatient rehabilitation program in an older adult with unilateral transfemoral amputation. Methods: This single-case report presents a 68-year-old woman with left transfemoral amputation secondary to peripheral vascular disease and medically controlled hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus. She completed a 12-week supervised outpatient prosthetic rehabilitation program delivered three sessions per week. The intervention emphasized progressive strengthening, balance retraining, gait re-education, endurance conditioning, prosthetic education, transfer training, and functional task practice. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and week 12 using the Timed Up and Go test, 6-Minute Walk Test, Berg Balance Scale, and Amputee Mobility Predictor with Prosthesis. Results: Timed Up and Go performance improved from 34 to 19 seconds, and 6-Minute Walk Test distance increased from 110 to 248 meters. Berg Balance Scale score increased from 29/56 to 43/56, while Amputee Mobility Predictor with Prosthesis score increased from 26/47 to 37/47. The patient progressed from close-supervision ambulation to independent cane-assisted community walking and independence in basic activities of daily living. Conclusion: Individualized, progressive prosthetic rehabilitation was associated with improved mobility, endurance, balance, prosthetic function, and independence in this older transfemoral amputee, although single-case findings require cautious interpretation
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