Effects of Exergame Training on Functional Activities Among Newly-Fitted Patients with Unilateral Transtibial Amputation: A Preliminary Study

Abstract

Objective: This preliminary study investigated the effects of adding exergame training to conventional exercises on the functional activities of newly fitted patients with unilateral transtibial amputation.
Patients & Methods: A total of 22 newly fitted patients with unilateral transtibial amputation were equally and randomly divided into two groups: Exergame (EG), those performing exercises and exergame training; and Control (C), those performing exercise only. The 2-Min Walk test (2MWT), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, Amputee Mobility Predictor with Prosthesis Test (AMPPRO), and Physiological Cost Index were assessed at baseline and after 2 and 4 weeks of the intervention.
Results: Both interventions effectively improved the 2MWT distance, TUG test time, and AMPPRO score in patients with newly fitted transtibial amputation (P < 0.001). Additionally, a significant improvement in the TUG test time in the EG versus C group after the 4-week intervention (P = 0.04, effect size: 0.53).
Conclusion: The findings of this preliminary study further support that adding exergames to exercises significantly increases movement speed among amputee patients.