Gait speed as an indicator of prosthetic walking potential following lower limb amputation

Background:The relationship between gait speed and prosthetic potential (K-level classifications) and function has not been explored among people transitioning from hospital rehabilitation to the community.Objectives:To examine gait speed at discharge from inpatient rehabilitation among people prescribed a prosthetic leg after unilateral lower limb amputation, and associations between gait speed, prosthetic potential and functional ability.Study design:Cohort.Methods:Gait speed (10-m walk test), K-level (Amputee Mobility Predictor) and Functional Independence Measure motor were compared for 110 people (mean (standard deviation) age: 63 (13) years, 77% male, 71% transtibial amputation, 70% dysvascular causes).Results:Median (interquartile range) gait speed and Functional Independence Measure motor were 0.52 (0.37–0.67) m/s and 84 (81, 85), respectively. Median (IQR) gait speed scores for each K-level were as follows: K1 = 0.17 (0.15–0.19) m/s, K2 = 0.38 (0.25–0.54) m/s, K3 = 0.63 (0.50–0.71) m/s and K4 = 1...