Evaluative Study of Two Different Rehabilitation Approaches for Transtibial Amputees

Background: Lower limb amputation is a life-altering condition associated with physical, functional, psychological, and socioeconomic challenges. Its global incidence is rising due to trauma, diabetes, vascular diseases, and other medical conditions, increasing the need for effective rehabilitation strategies. Successful prosthetic rehabilitation requires coordinated care to improve mobility, independence, quality of life, and community reintegration. Objective: To compare the effectiveness of multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary rehabilitation approaches in unilateral transtibial amputees. Methodology: A randomized controlled trial was conducted at PIPOS Rehabilitation Services Program, Peshawar, and Mobility Rehab Care, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan. Fifty unilateral transtibial amputees aged 18–40 years were randomly assigned to either group (25 each). Individuals with additional physical disabilities, osteoarthritis, chronic knee pain, fractures, or knee arthrodesis, psychiatric disorders or cognitive impairments interfering with rehabilitation participation were excluded from the study. Functional mobility and prosthetic outcomes were assessed using the 6-Minute Walk Test, Timed Up and Go test, Amputee Mobility Predictor, K-classification, and Prosthesis Evaluation Questionnaire at baseline, two weeks, and four weeks post-intervention. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA and independent-samples t-tests. Results: The mean participant age was 33.4 years, with 44% females and 56% males. Both groups demonstrated significant improvements across all outcome measures over time (p<0.001). The interdisciplinary group showed greater gains in 6-Minute Walk Test distance, Timed Up and Go test performance, earlier K-classification improvement, and superior Prosthesis Evaluation Questionnaire scores. However, the multidisciplinary group achieved slightly higher final K-classification scores at four weeks. Conclusion: Both rehabilitation approaches significantly improved functional outcomes in transtibial amputees; however, the interdisciplinary approach demonstrated faster and superior overall recovery, supporting its preferential use in prosthetic rehabilitation settings.