Project Title:
Sensor System for Self-Management of Prosthetic Socket Fit
Summary:
Many individuals with lower-limb amputations have difficulty knowing when to change sock ply and how much adjustment is necessary, especially if they have poor sensation. The goal of this project is to develop and test a socket-fit sensing system that can adapt to patient-specific changes in limb volume. This can help veterans and service members self-manage their socket fit during rehabilitation care and afterwards.
Through enhanced education and training of effective socket management early on, we hope to see a boost in self-efficacy and engagement in self-care which will reduce preventable pain, discomfort, and skin issues. This education is especially important to veterans and service members at an early stage in their rehabilitation as they establish self-management habits and strategies. The long-term impact of this system will be improved socket comfort, prosthesis use, and community participation.
Funding:
This work was supported by the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs and endorsed by the Department of Defense, through the FY17 Joint Program Committee 8/Clinical & Rehabilitative Medicine Research Program under Award No. W81XWH-18-1-0484. Opinions, interpretations, conclusions and recommendations are those of the author and are not necessarily endorsed by the Department of Defense.
Expected Completion Date:
September 2021