Exploring Motivations to Be Active Among Amputees: a Phenomenological Approach to Leisure Time Physical Activity

Purpose: People with disabilities are less active and experience increased burden of disease compared to those without disabilities. Leisure time physical activity (LTPA) participation is strongly related to improved health in all populations. Despite this, research with amputees focuses heavily on prosthetic design and function, leaving amputees an under-represented population in LTPA and motivation research. This study explored the lived experiences of motivation to engage in LTPA among amputees.

Method: Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) approach, influenced by understandings of embodiment and Self-Determination Theory (SDT), was used. Six people with lower extremity, acquired amputations created a photo-diary of their motivations to be active and participated in two in-depth interviews each.

Results: Study findings suggest motivations to be active among amputees are primarily influenced by personal relationships. Barriers, facilitators, and processes to be active provided insight into how LTPA participation may be affected by more than motivation. Embodiment was experienced as bodily integration of the prosthesis.

Conclusions: There is evidence that the relationship between motivation and participation is not direct, but influenced by facilitators, barriers, and processes to be active. The results suggest strategies to increase activity among amputees by emphasizing LTPA with others, improving the built environment, and ensuring prosthesis fit.