Negative Gauge Pressure Moisture Management and Secure Adherence Device for Prosthetic Limbs
Abstract
The overall objective of this research was to develop and test a novel prosthesis incorporating a negative gauge pressure moisture management and secure adherence device. This novel Dynamic Air Exchange (DAE) prosthesis is intended for active lower limb amputees who work and perspire in demanding environments.The results show the DAE prosthesis was able to expel a significant amount of perspiration during a 30-minute treadmill walk at self-selected speed. Approximately 1 g of sweat was removed from the prosthesis during the protocol. The DAE prosthesis exhibited approximately 4 mm more residual limb pistoning than a Suction prosthesis (current standard-of-care), the difference was not thought to be clinically meaningful. No effect was found on residual limb skin temperatures. For both the DAE and Suction prostheses, the residual limb skin temperature generally stayed constant during an initial 30-minute rest period, increased substantially (~3 C) during a 30-minute walk at self-selected speed, and fell gradually (~1 C) during a second 30-minute rest period. Importantly, the DAE prosthesis was subjectively acceptable to the participants as they reported a positive experience.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- AD1035688
Entities
People
- Glenn K. Klute
Organizations
- Seattle Institute for Biomedical and Clinical Research