Adult Amps Not Exercising Enough

The research, presented by Mark Sedenberg, DO, at the 28th Annual Meeting of the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, found that less than one-third of amputees meet the recommended weekly exercise amount of 150 minutes or approximately 21 minutes per day. The research also identified factors that contribute to less physical activity, which include: lack of a functioning prosthesis, the burden of chronic medical disease, and increased body mass index (BMI). The study also identified that women are more likely to be less physically active than their male counterparts.

Considering the significant impact of exercise in preventing and treating most medical conditions, Dr. Sedenberg emphasized the need for physicians to encourage their patients to exercise. He also said that one way to increase exercise rates among amputees is to have information about adaptive sports and other exercise opportunities ready. “The simple act of setting goals has significantly improved fitness and well-being among adults with amputation,” said Dr. Sedenberg.