EFFECTIVENESS OF PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR PATIENTS WITH TRANSTIBIAL AMPUTATION IN THE PRE-PROSTHETIC TRAINING PHASE

Abstract

The problem of rehabilitation of individuals with transtibial lower limb amputation is one of the key issues in modern physical therapy and medical rehabilitation. Amputation procedures, which are predominantly the result of vascular diseases, trauma, or complications of diabetes mellitus, are accompanied by significant functional impairments of the musculoskeletal system, alterations in gait biomechanics, as well as psycho-emotional difficulties that complicate the process of adaptation to new life conditions. Purpose: To develop a program aimed at improving the functional state of patients with transtibial amputation during the pre-prosthetic rehabilitation period. Methods: The study applied theoretical research methods, including analysis, comparison, induction, deduction, systematization, and generalization of scientific and methodological literature, as well as empirical methods and methods of mathematical statistics. Results: According to the 10-meter walk test, the time to complete the distance in the experimental group (EG) decreased from 8.90 ± 1.18 to 7.10 ± 1.15 s (p < 0.05), whereas in the control group (CG) it decreased only from 8.53 ± 1.21 to 8.23 ± 1.21 s (p > 0.05). This indicates an improvement in gait speed characteristics among the patients of the experimental group, which may be attributed to increased lower limb muscle strength, improved postural stability, and enhanced movement coordination. Particularly pronounced changes were observed in the 6-minute walk test. Patients in the EG increased their walking distance from 400.37 ± 2.50 to 510.37 ± 2.61 m (p < 0.05), while in the CG, the increase was minor—from 410.20 ± 1.66 to 430.20 ± 1.66 m (p > 0.05). These findings demonstrate a significant improvement in overall endurance and exercise tolerance resulting from targeted gait training and cardiorespiratory conditioning. Conclusions: Physical therapy following lower limb amputation represents a complex, multi-stage process that integrates objective assessment, manual and physiotherapeutic techniques, targeted motor training, pre-prosthetic preparation, and patient education. The integration of standard and modern approaches, taking into account individual patient characteristics, enhances the effectiveness of rehabilitation, shortens the adaptation period to prosthetic use, and improves overall functional performance.