Limb Restoration Rehabilitation

Technology (e.g. robotics, assistive technology, mHealth)

Military and Veterans Affairs

Symposium

(626579) Methods and Highlights From the National Study of Veteran With Upper Limb Amputation

Presenter(s)

• 

  Linda Resnik, PT, PhD

  Research Career Scientist
  Providence VA Medical Center
  Providence, Rhode Island
• 

  Ellie Balakhanlou, MD

  Resident Physician - PGY-3
  VCU Health
  Richmond, Virginia
• 

  Samuel Phillips, PhD

  lab director for the rehabilitation and engineering laboratory
  James Haley VA Medical Center
  Tampa, Florida
• 

  Jeffrey Heckman, DO

  Advanced Fellowship Program Director, Amputation Rehabilitation
  VA Puget Sound Health Care System
  Seattle, Washington

A large, comprehensive study of upper limb amputees was funded by the Department of Defense in 2016. This multi-faceted study involved a baseline survey of nearly 800 Veterans with major upper limb amputation, a one year follow-up survey as well as in-person assessment of 125 Veterans. This multi-site study, one of the largest studies of upper limb amputees ever conducted, provides comprehensive data on function, needs, preferences, and satisfaction of persons with major upper limb amputation. Presenters at this symposium will discuss the design of and key findings from this national study.

Learning Objectives:

• 1. Describe the overall design of the national study of Veterans with upper limb amputation
• 2. Describe patterns of prosthesis use and abandonment and key differences by gender
• 3. Identify factors associated with phantom limb pain
• 4. Understand the association between prosthetic device type and functional outcomes