Feasibility testing of a novel prosthetic socket sensor system

Abstract

Purpose

Poorly fitting prosthetic sockets contribute to decreased quality of life, health, and well-being for persons with amputations. Therefore, improved socket fit is a high clinical priority.

Methods

In this study, we describe the design and testing of a novel sensor system that can be incorporated into a prosthetic socket to measure distal end weight bearing in the socket and can alert a prosthesis user if poor socket fit is suspected. We present the results of testing this device with three Veterans who were new prosthesis users and three Veterans who were experienced prosthesis users.

Results and conclusions

We collected sensor data during walking trials while participants wore varying numbers of sock plies and qualitative feedback on the design of the socket fit sensor system. For analysis, peak sensor measurements during walking cycles were identified and combined with socket fit data (i.e., a clinician-determined level of “good,” “too tight,” or “too loose” and the number of sock ply worn each trial). We found consistent relationships between peak sensor measurements and socket fit in our sample. Also, all users expressed an interest in the device, highlighting its potential benefits during early prosthesis training.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• Ensuring socket fit is challenging for many prosthesis users.

• A novel wearable sensor system can be used to identify socket fit issues for some prosthesis users.

• This type of system could be most helpful for new prosthesis users and those with sensory and cognitive challenges.

Keywords:

• Amputation
• sensor
• rehabilitation
• socket fit
• prosthesis

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Clifford Dellamano, Mckinney Zhang, Anna Marie Liberatore, Kyle Barrons, and Brian Arndt for fabricating and fitting the prosthetic sockets and socket-fit sensor systems as well as for assistance during data collection.

Disclosure statement

Co-authors Greg Voss, Stuart Fairhurst, and Drs. John Ferguson and Andrew Hansen are listed as inventors on a patent application related to this technology. The intellectual property is owned by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the University of Minnesota. The remaining coauthors do not report any conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by SPiRE Award #1-I21 RX002540 (Awarded to JEF) from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, Rehabilitation Research and Development Service. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. The materials presented here solely represent the views of the authors and do not represent the view of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or the United States Government.