Improving Functional Performance in Transfemoral Amputees by Somatosensory Augmentation
Abstract
This study directly addresses the FY21 W18XWH-PRORP-CTRA Focus Area, Prosthetic and Orthotic Devices. This proposal perfectly aligns with the FY21 PROPR CTRA goal by using the emerging somatosensory biofeedback instrumentation into the clinical space to improve function and balance and, thereby, quality of life in military and civilian amputees. Falling is a prevalent concern for transfemoral amputees, with half suffering at least one serious fall annually. Falls can lead to injuries, including scars, bruises, broken bones, and in the most extreme cases bleeding in the brain or death. Not only do falls have physical effects, but they can also make amputees develop a fear of falling. The fear of falling can cause amputees to lose confidence in their movement ability, reducing their daily physical activities and social interactions. Ultimately, falls and the fear of falling can leave amputees physically hurt, unable to get around in their daily lives, and socially isolated. All of these factors can reduce an amputee s overall quality of life. One of the main contributors to the risk of falling in amputees is the loss of sense from the prosthetic-ground interface. This lack of sensory information results in the amputee having inferior balance and losing their understanding of changes to the surface on which they are walking. These issues could increase their fall incidences due to the inability to perform timely adjustments to their lower limb movement patterns. Furthermore, to cope with the inferior balance, they adopt a slower and asymmetrical walking pattern that will take a toll on their hip and lower back long-term. One potential solution to this problem is to use devices to restore the sensory information that amputees are missing. In this project, we will use a device that measures the pressure distribution under the prosthetic using an array of sensors. The sensed pressures will be transferred to the residual limb by actuating an array of vibrators. By providing this information, this device can increase amputees understanding of the terrain and prosthetic-ground interface and therefore play a critical role in reducing the risk of fall. The proposed study aims to understand how this kind of device affects amputees with traditional sockets and those who have a prosthetic surgically implanted into the bone of their residual limb. We will give these two groups of amputees a sensory device to use for a month. First, we will test them before and right after the device is put on. Then, we will test them again a month later before and after it is removed. These tests will help determine whether the device affects the subject s balance, posture, walking ability, and foot perception in the short and long term. Potential Impacts of this Research: Who Will Be Helped? This proposed research will help transfemoral amputees who use sockets or bone-anchored prosthetics. These individuals are at a high risk of falling, negatively impacting their physical and mental health. This research proposes low-cost and compact biofeedback devices that could improve amputee s balance during daily activities. Thereby, this study will aim at increasing amputees quality of life and overall health, which will be significant in both Veteran and civilian populations. Thus, this study is poised to directly address the FY21 PRORP CTRA Focus Area of Prosthetic and Orthotic devices. Clinical Applications of This Research: This proposal will explore vibrotactile feedback to improve amputees balance and daily functioning and provide evidence about the short- and long-term effects of sensory augmentation on these deficits. This research will help inform and direct medical professionals to best address amputee needs and reduce the risk of falling in this population. In the long term, the sensory devices tested in this research would impact the lives of transfemoral patients. It would also impact other patients suf
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Dec 28, 2022
- Source ID
- W81XWH2210848
Entities
People
- Payam Zandiyeh
Organizations
- United States Army
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston