Do limitations in vestibular inputs affect balance control in standing, in adults with a single lower limb amputation due to vascular disease? A preliminary investigatio

Background. After prosthetic rehabilitation, individuals often have difficulty returning to functional independence. Balance control is a major factor of functional independence. One important facet of balance control is the ability to interpret sensory inputs for balance. These are received from the visual, somatosensory and vestibular systems. Little literature exists about sensory inputs for balance control, and none on the vestibular components of balance in relation to this population.;Purpose. This preliminary project evaluated the vestibular control of balance in individuals with lower limb amputations by comparing the Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction and Balance test 1 (CTSIB1) where all three inputs for balance were available with test 5 (CTSIB 5) where only vestibular inputs for balance were accurate. The theory that impaired mobility is associated with difficulty using vestibular inputs for balance control and poor balance confidence was also explored.;Conclusion. Results indicate that towards the end of prosthetic rehabilitation, participants had difficulty using vestibular inputs for balance control. Impaired mobility appeared to be associated with impaired ability to use vestibular inputs, and to a lesser degree with a decrease in balance confidence. Continued research into assessment and treatment of vestibular inputs for balance control and balance confidence may help the progression of mobility and independence of individuals with lower limb amputations.