Cal State Fullerton Professor of Kinesiology Pablo Costa co-authored a review of 10 research studies examining the effects of resistance training in individuals with lower-limb amputation. Published in the Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology in 2023, the article identified resistance training as beneficial for that population.
According to Costa, a certified strength and conditioning coach and researcher in CSUF’s exercise physiology lab, this research demonstrates resistance training can help participants increase strength; improve postural stability, gait pattern and confidence; and potentially facilitate a return to running.
“When resistance training is combined with other types of exercises, this may help attenuate strength deficits, risk of falling and low back pain,” said Costa.
While the research thus far has confirmed benefits, there are gaps regarding how much resistance training alone can do, the best types of resistance training and the impact of resistance training on various levels of amputation.
Closed-chain exercises on weight machines are preferred for safety, explained Costa. However, different forms of resistance training like free weights, body weight or resistance bands may also be used.
“Nevertheless, it may be necessary to adapt exercises to the condition and capabilities of the amputee. Other training modes, such as balance and aerobic exercises, should ideally be used to support resistance training,” said Costa. “Future research is needed to better understand the effects of isolated resistance training compared with combined forms of exercise.”