The Arabic Version of the Prosthesis Embodiment Scale (AR-PEmbs): Translation, Cross-Cultural Adaptation, Reliability, and Validity in Lebanese Individuals with Lower-Limb Amputation

Introduction This study aimed to translate and cross-culturally adapt the Arabic version of the Prosthesis Embodiment Scale for Individuals with lower-limb amputation (AR-PEmbS-LLA) and evaluate its validity and reliability. Methods The AR-PEmbS-LLA was developed using a forward-backward translation process, expert reviews, and pilot testing with 10 individuals with lower-limb amputation (LLA). A cross-sectional, correlational study was conducted with 60 Lebanese adults with major LLAs who used prosthetic devices. Participants completed the AR-PEmbSLLA and the Houghton scale for prosthetic use, the revised Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experience Scale (TAPES-R) for adjustment and satisfaction, and the Locomotor Capabilities Index (LCI) for locomotor abilities. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and exploratory factor analysis were performed to assess the psychometric properties of the AR-PEmbS-LLA. Convergent validity was evaluated using Spearman correlations with the other scales. Results The AR-PEmbS-LLA demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach α = 0.97) and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.95, P < 0.01). Exploratory factor analysis confirmed a single-factor structure explaining 78.23% of the variance. Significant correlations were found with TAPES-R general adjustment ( r = 0.37, P < 0.001), social adjustment subscales ( r = 0.33, P = 0.001), and the LCI basic activities score ( r = 0.39, P < 0.001), and the LCI advanced activities score ( r = 0.35, P < 0.01). Conclusions The AR-PEmbS-LLA is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing prosthesis embodiment in Arabic-speaking individuals with LLA. It can be effectively used in clinical and research settings to understand and enhance the prosthesis integration experience. Clinical Relevance The AR-PEmbS-LLA represents a valuable addition to the limited toolkit for evaluating and optimizing prosthetic outcomes in Arabic-speaking individuals with LLA, enhancing clinical practice and research endeavors in this field.