Sensory Feedback for Lower Extremity Prostheses Incorporating Targeted Muscle Reinnervation (TMR)
Abstract
This research aims to improve stair descent for lower limb amputees by providing sensory feedback of foot placement. We seek to provide this capability as a robust and widely applicable adjunct to currently used prosthetic hardware. We also seek to leverage emerging of nerve transfer surgeries performed with amputations or as revisions. These surgeries, including Targeted (Sensory) Reinnervation and Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interfaces (RPNIs) can produce profound sensory effects. Touches at the site of the surgery can feel like they are originating from the amputated limb. This capability is an unprecedented opportunity to provide sensory feedback that is intuitive and useful, but sensory recovery after the surgery is not well understood. The two Specific Aims are to (1) Systematically map and characterize the sensory capabilities of lower extremity Targeted Reinnervation sites under tactile stimulation, and (2) Measure the effects of vibrotactile cues of foot placement on stair descent of transtibial amputees. Over the course of this research we made significant progress in both of these domains. This report summarizes that progress and describe our vision for the future of this line of research.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1137202
Entities
People
- Eric Rombokas
Organizations
- Seattle Institute for Biomedical and Clinical Research