Mobility with a lower limb prosthesis: experiences of users with high levels of functional ability

Purpose The Prosthetic Limb Users Survey of Mobility (PLUS-M) is a self-report item bank designed to measure the abilities with which people with lower limb amputation perform physical activities. Although PLUS-M includes items that span a range of mobility, additional items are needed to accurately measure mobility of highly active prosthesis users, such as athletes and service members with lower limb amputation. The aim of this study was to understand mobility in highly active lower limb prosthesis users to inform the development of new items for the PLUS-M item bank. Methods Focus groups were conducted with active, lower limb prosthesis users from across the USA. In-person and online focus groups were conducted by a trained facilitator using a semi-structured guide. Focus group transcripts were reviewed and coded by two researchers. Thematic analysis was used to identify important experiences across participants. Results Twenty-nine participants took part in four focus groups. Three resultant themes were identified: mobility after amputation, mobility characteristics, and healthcare providers and systems. Conclusions Identified themes inform clinician and researcher understanding of mobility in highly active lower limb prosthesis users. The results of this study will be used to inform development of high-activity items for the PLUS-M item bank.