Satisfaction with Prosthesis and Walking Ability among Trans-Tibial Prosthesis Users from Two Selected Rehabilitation Hospitals in Rwanda

Abstract

Background
Satisfaction with the prosthesis is the key element to using the prosthesis for better walking and performing daily activities among transtibial prosthesis users. Different factors affect satisfaction and walking ability.
Objective
To evaluate satisfaction and assess walking ability among transtibial prosthesis users from two rehabilitation hospitals in Rwanda.
Methods
A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted on 45 transtibial prosthesis users who received their prostheses from the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali and Gatagara Orthopedics and Rehabilitation Hospital, Nyanza. The research was done from February 1, 2024, to April 30, 2024. The Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experience-Revised (TAPES-R) was utilized to evaluate satisfaction whereas the Timed Up and Go (TUG) and the 2 minutes’ walk test (2MWT) were used for walking ability assessment.
Results
Out of 45 participants, 71.1% (n=32) were males and the remaining were females. On satisfaction with prosthesis, 62.2% were satisfied while 37.8% were unsatisfied. The satisfaction was statistically significantly associated with shape (p≤0.001), appearance (p≤0.003), weight (p≤0.001), usefulness (p≤0.027), reliability (p≤0.035), fit (p≤0.001), and comfort (p≤0.038) of their prosthesis, their health status (p≤0.011) and physical status (p≤0.001). For walking ability, 60% of the participants demonstrated moderate walking ability.
Conclusion
Some transtibial prosthesis users were unsatisfied with their prosthesis. Moderate walking ability was observed generally. More rehabilitation including gait training, physiotherapy, early prosthetic fitting, rehabilitation team follow-ups and use of advanced prosthetic technology are recommended.
Rwanda J Med Health Sci 2025;8(1):75-88