Introduction.

Lower limb amputation significantly impacts the mobility and independence of individuals who undergo this procedure. The evaluation of the physical activity level in this population is crucial to establish rehabilitation objectives focused on the prevention of diseases associated with lack of movement.

Objective.

To quantify the physical activity level in lower limb amputees treated at a specialized rehabilitation center in Panama City, Panama.

Methods.

Cross-sectional study conducted in 39 adults with lower limb amputation treated at the National Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in Panama City between October 2023 and August 2024. The physical activity level was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and categorized as Insufficiently active (<600 MET-min/week), Minimal total physical activity (600 to <3000 MET-min/week) and Sufficient total physical activity (>3000 MET-min/week).

Results.

The mean age of the participants was 52.7±13.9 years, 71.8% were men, and 64.1% had unilateral transfemoral amputation. The most frequently reported cause of amputation was vascular, followed by traumatic. Regarding the classification of the participants according to the physical activity level, 41% were classified as sedentary; 33.3%, with a minimum level of physical activity, and 25.6%, with a sufficient level of physical activity. Less activity was found in women (p=0.005) and the average sitting time was 4.97±1.9 hours per day. The majority of participants (84.6%) did not have prostheses. In addition, 41% were unemployed.

Conclusion.

Physical activity levels in people with lower limb amputations were insufficient, with a high proportion of sedentary participants.

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