Development and Evaluation of a Patient Education Booklet on Fall Prevention Exercises for Older Lower Limb Prosthesis Users

Prawina Sakulkosol; Pieter U  Dijkstra; Kazuhiko  Sasaki; Gary Guerra; Jutamanee Poonsiri

doi:10.33192/smj.v78i2.277785

Authors

Prawina Sakulkosol Sirindhorn School of Prosthetics and Orthotics, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Pieter U Dijkstra Sirindhorn School of Prosthetics and Orthotics, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
Kazuhiko Sasaki Sirindhorn School of Prosthetics and Orthotics, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
Gary Guerra Department of Exercise and Sport Science, St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, Texas, USA
Jutamanee Poonsiri Sirindhorn School of Prosthetics and Orthotics, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33192/smj.v78i2.277785

Keywords:

fall prevention education, fall prevention exercise, older adult, amputee, prosthesis

Abstract

Objective: To assess the suitability and usability of a patient education booklet on fall prevention exercises for older lower limb prosthesis (LLP) users.

Materials and Methods: A descriptive study was conducted from February 2024 to March 2025. A fall prevention exercise booklet was developed based on literature and clinical guidelines. The booklet covered the following domains: falls and fall prevention in older adults, benefits of exercises, exercise principles and precautions, and exercise descriptions. Healthcare professionals who care for LLP users assessed the educational booklet’s suitability using the Suitability Assessment of Material (SAM) tool. Based on their feedback, the font size was increased from 12 to 14 points. Thereafter, older LLP users (over 60) assessed the educational booklet’s usability using the Consumer Information Rating Form (CIRF).

Results: Suitability was assessed by 43 evaluators (30 prosthetists, six physical therapists, four nurses and three rehabilitation physicians). The median (IQR) SAM score was 88.1 (81.0; 95.2). Usability was assessed by 69 participants. The median (IQR) CIRF score was 86.9 (80.8; 90.9).

Conclusion: The results of the suitability and usability assessments indicate that the developed fall prevention exercise booklet is appropriate for educating older LLP users. The booklet provides a practical tool that enables LLP users to perform exercises safely at home and review educational content at their own pace.

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