The purpose of this study is to review and evaluate the use of outcome measures in Japanese literature for physical therapy after lower limb amputation. By comparing Japanese practices with those in the U.S., this study aims to identify potential gaps in outcome standardization and explore methods to enhance patient care.
A review protocol was developed based on a U.S.-created framework to facilitate a non-English literature review. The protocol employed a standardized index system, including MeSH terms, adapted to the Japanese databases. Keywords from the original protocol were translated into Japanese by bilingual investigators, with careful consideration given to the three Japanese writing systems. English terms, such as "Timed Up and Go Test" (TUG), were also included in the search when commonly used by Japanese clinicians. The search was conducted using extensive Japanese medical databases and adhered to the original protocol's search procedures to ensure comparability.
The initial search from Ichushi yielded 440 articles, which were narrowed down to 107 research papers from the last decade. After reviewing titles and abstracts, 24 relevant articles were identified, with only five focusing on physical therapy. Only one study was a randomized controlled trial, and no review articles were found. The most frequently used outcome measures in Japanese literature were Functional Independence Measures and assessments of ADL independence. Unlike U.S. literature, Japanese studies did not emphasize performance-based measures such as the Timed Up and Go Test or the 6-minute Walk Test, instead focusing on independence in daily activities. After completion of analysis with results from Ichushi, the next investigation with other databases will allow us to complete the entire literature search and present the results at the World Physiotherapy Congress.
This scoping review of Japanese literature highlights the limited use of standardized outcome measures in physical therapy for lower limb amputees. While further investigation is ongoing, the results suggest significant differences between Japan and the U.S. in the types of outcome measures used. Japan's focus on ADL independence contrasts with the U.S.'s emphasis on performance-based assessments. These findings could contribute to improving global standardization and patient care in both countries.
The results of this study support the importance of global standardization of outcome measures in physical therapy. Aligning Japan’s focus on ADL independence with international practices that emphasize performance-based measures could improve care for lower limb amputees. Additionally, this study may identify common barriers faced by non-English-speaking regions, offering insights for overcoming challenges to global standardization in rehabilitation care.
lower limb amputation
outcome measures
