EFFECTIVENESS OF PHYSICAL THERAPY PROGRAMMES FOR PATIENTS WITH TRANSTIBIAL AMPUTATION DURING THE PREPARATION PERIOD FOR PROSTHETICS

Abstract

Physical therapy during the preparation period for prosthetic fitting is of particular importance, as it serves as a key component of post-amputation recovery, ensuring improvement in functioning, motor performance of the lower limb, physical capacity, and adaptation to new living conditions. In addition to physical aspects, physical therapy programs indirectly influence patients’ psycho-emotional status, promoting social reintegration, maintaining autonomy, and fostering motivation for an active lifestyle. Purpose of the study: to determine the effectiveness of the developed physical therapy program in patients with transtibial amputation during the preparation period for prosthetic fitting. Research methods. The study employed theoretical methods, including analysis, comparison, induction, deduction, systematization, and generalization of scientific and methodological literature, as well as empirical methods and methods of mathematical statistics. The study involved 60 male patients aged 30–40 years who had undergone transtibial traumatic amputation. Using randomization, the participants were divided into a main group and a comparison group, 30 individuals in each. Results. Repeated analysis of functional test outcomes demonstrated that the main group showed significant improvement across all assessed functional measures (AMPnoPRO, Berg Balance Scale, Four Square Step Test, Six-Minute Walk Test, and Timed Up and Go test), reflecting substantial enhancement in mobility, balance, endurance, and readiness for prosthetic fitting. In contrast, positive changes in the comparison group were clinically and statistically insignificant. The total AMPnoPRO score in the main group increased by 11.16 points (p < 0.001), whereas in the comparison group the increase was only 1.70 points (p < 0.01). In the main group, 57% of patients corresponded to functional level K3 and 43% to level K2; in the comparison group, no patients achieved level K3, with 63% remaining at level K2 and the rest at level K1, indicating a significantly higher readiness of the main group for subsequent prosthetic fitting. Conclusions. The study results convincingly demonstrate that the individualized physical therapy program provided a comprehensive positive effect on psycho-emotional status, pain syndrome, motor function, balance, and mobility in individuals with transtibial amputation during the preparation period for prosthetic fitting. The program proved more effective than standard rehabilitation approaches and created favorable conditions for successful further community reintegration.