Impact of Physical Activity on Participation and Quality of Life in Individuals who use Prostheses and other Assistive Technology/Lower Extremity Prostheses versus Wheelchair for Functional Performance and Participation of Military and Veteran Personnel

Abstract : Results from these studies showed that participation in the Winter Sports Clinic and the National Veteran s Wheelchair Games positively impacts ones life. By participating in these organized events, positive psychosocial benefits may result to veterans with disabilities. Participation in adaptive sports increases after exposure to the Winter Sports Clinic and National Veteran s wheelchair games. Exposure to adaptive sports and sporting events should occur early in a patient s rehabilitation process to increase sports participation and to reap the long term benefits of socialization, community reintegration, health promotion, self-esteem, and functional independence. Additional findings yielded that the level of lower limb amputations determined the mobility choice (prosthesis or wheelchair). Interaction between utilization of prostheses and changing needs should be determined on a long term basis. This could suggest more viable alternatives, which could not only improve participation but, in long-term, have a positive impact on quality of life of those with lower limb amputation.