Ann Rehabil Med.  2011 Dec;35(6):907-921. 10.5535/arm.2011.35.6.907.

A Survey on Activities of Daily Living and Occupations of Upper Extremity Amputees

• Jang CH
• Yang HS
• Yang HE
• Lee SY
• Kwon JW
• Yun BD
• Choi JY
• Kim SN
• Jeong HW

• KMID: 2266818
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5535/arm.2011.35.6.907

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To assess prosthetic use by upper extremity amputees, and their difficulties with prostheses in activities of daily living and occupations. METHOD: This study is based on a survey of 307 subjects, who were using prostheses manufactured in the Center of Prosthetics and Orthotics. The survey questionnaire included items about general demographic characteristics, side and level of amputation, type of prosthesis and its use, and difficulties in the activities of daily living, employment and driving.
RESULTS
The most common type of prosthesis was the cosmetic hand type (80.2%). There were no statistically significant correlations between satisfaction with prosthesis and the amputation level or type of prosthesis. The most common difficulties in daily living activities experienced by amputees were lacing shoes, removing bottle-tops with a bottle opener, and using scissors. Only 7.3% of amputees received rehabilitation services. Less than half of the amputees (44.7%) used their prostheses for eight or more hours a day, and 76.9% used their prostheses for regular or irregular cosmetic purposes. After amputation, most of the respondents (69.0%) became unemployed or changed workplaces.
CONCLUSION
In our study, respondents preferred cosmetic usage to functional usage. Only 30.0% of respondents reported satisfaction with their prostheses. Many of the amputees had difficulties in complex tasks and either changed jobs or became unemployed. Clerical workers were the occupation group, which was most likely to return to work. The development of a more functional prosthetic hand and additional rehabilitation services are required.

Keyword

Upper extremity amputees; Prosthesis; Activities of daily living; Occupation

MeSH Terms

Activities of Daily Living
Amputation
Amputees
Cosmetics
Surveys and Questionnaires
Employment
Hand
Humans
Occupations
Prostheses and Implants
Return to Work
Shoes
Upper Extremity
Surveys and Questionnaires
Cosmetics

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