A block randomised controlled trial investigating changes in postural control following a personalised 12-week exercise programme for individuals with lower limb amputation

Individuals with a lower limb amputation (LLA) have an increased risk of falls and often report balance confidence. They must compensate for altered mechanics prosthetic limitations in order to execute appropriate motor responses postural perturbations. Personalised exercise could be effective strategy enhance reduce falls. In this study, we investigated whether personalised programme improve control self-reported confidence individuals LLA. Participants were block randomised into two groups (exercise, n = 7; control, 7) based on age level amputation. The group completed 12-week programme, including home-based sessions, consisting balance, endurance, strength, flexibility training. continued their normal daily activities. All participants performed the Sensory Organization Test (SOT) Motor Control (MCT) NeuroCom SMART Equitest, Activities-specific Balance Confidence-UK (ABC) self-report questionnaire, at baseline post-intervention. Exercise equilibrium scores improved significantly when standing unstable support surface no visual input inaccurate somatosensory feedback (SOT condition 5, P < 0.012, d 1.45). There significant group*time interactions medium (P 0.029) large 0.048) forward translations, which associated trend towards weight-bearing intact (medium: 0.055; large: 0.087). No changes ABC score observed. These results indicate reduced reliance input, and/or enhanced interpretation following programme. However, objective improvements aspects not subjective More asymmetry suggests that lack targeted training may detrimental effects, potential adverse long-term musculoskeletal consequences, quantifiable within short timeframe.