Virtual Peer-Led Program to Boost Physical Activity After Dysvascular Lower Limb Amputation A Pilot Study

What this Trial Is About

Diabetes-related lower limb amputation LLA causes significant challenges for physical and mental health, including increased risk of cardiovascular disease, amputation in the other limb, and a higher chance of death. People with dysvascular LLA often experience reduced balance, walking ability, and strength, leading to low physical activity levels. Rehabilitation services are limited and costly, so this study is evaluating a virtual, peer-led physical activity intervention called IMproving Physical Activity through Coaching and Technology following Lower Limb Loss IMPACT-L3 to support behavior change and improve health outcomes in this population. This pilot study aims to assess the feasibility of conducting a larger trial to test the interventions effectiveness. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the experimental group or the control group. The experimental group will receive weekly virtual peer coaching sessions for about 30 minutes over 8 weeks, with peers matched by gender and level of amputation. They will also access five web-based physical activity modules covering benefits, types, intensity, and safety of exercise, completed at their own pace during the first five weeks. Additionally, participants will wear an Apple Watch on their non-dominant wrist to monitor physical activity. The control group will continue their usual healthcare and be offered the intervention after the follow-up period. Throughout the study, participants will be assessed at baseline, after the intervention week 9, and at a 4-week follow-up. Researchers will collect data on physical activity levels using an ActiGraph activity monitor and measure participants confidence in exercising using the Self-efficacy for Exercise scale. Other assessments include surveys on depression, balance confidence, prosthesis use, and quality of life. Study feasibility will be evaluated by tracking consent and withdrawal rates, adherence to coaching sessions, time needed for assessments, data completeness, and participant feedback through interviews. The total participation spans approximately 13 weeks, including follow-up.

Promoting Physical Activity Following Dysvascular Amputation