title: Sports participation of Dutch lower limb amputees.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To analyze sports participation of Dutch lower limb amputees and factors influencing sports participation.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional survey was performed. Dutch lower limb amputees (N = 2039) were invited to participate in a postal survey addressing personal and amputation characteristics, physical limitations, sports participation, skin problems, and prosthesis use. Only data concerning personal and amputation characteristics together with the data concerning sports participation were used for this study.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 816 questionnaires received, 780 were suitable for statistical analysis. The mean age of the participants was 59.6 years (SD 14.8), 62% were men and 27% of the amputations was due to vascular diseases or diabetes. Only 15% of all respondents participate in sports at least 5 hours a month. Smoking (odds ratio: 0.55), an age older than 60 (odds ratio: 0.97 per year), and a vascular cause of amputation (odds ratio: 0.42) were negatively associated with sports participation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Less than 15% of the Dutch lower limb amputees participate in sports at least 5 hours per month. Older age, smoking and a vascular cause of amputation have a negative influence on the sports participation of these individuals.
authors: 1Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Center for Rehabilitation, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, The Netherlands.
authors: Mihai
authors: M
authors: Bragaru
authors: Henk E J
authors: HE
authors: Meulenbelt
authors: Pieter U
authors: PU
authors: Dijkstra
authors: Jan H B
authors: JH
authors: Geertzen
authors: Rienk
authors: R
authors: Dekker
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000674:Amputees / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D001186:Artificial Limbs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D056352:Athletes; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D009426:Netherlands; D010358:Patient Participation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013177:Sports; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: Rehabilitation of amputees; amputation; physical activity; rehabilitation; sports