Imperial College London
Alternate

ProfessorRaviVaidyanathan

Faculty of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering

Professor in Biomechatronics
 
 
 
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Contact

 

+44 (0)20 7594 7020r.vaidyanathan CV

 
 
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Location

 

717City and Guilds BuildingSouth Kensington Campus

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Summary

 

Publications

Citation

BibTex format

@article{Hopkins:2022:10.3389/fmedt.2022.908002,
author = {Hopkins, M and Turner, S and McGregor, A},
doi = {10.3389/fmedt.2022.908002},
journal = {Frontiers in Medical Technology},
pages = {1--9},
title = {Mapping lower-limb prosthesis load distributions using a low-cost pressure measurement system},
url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fmedt.2022.908002},
volume = {4},
year = {2022}
}
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RIS format (EndNote, RefMan)

TY  - JOUR
AB  - Background: In the UK 55,000 people live with a major limb amputation. The prosthetic socket is problematic for users in relation to comfort and acceptance of the prosthesis; and is associated with the development of cysts and sores.Objectives: We have developed a prototype low-cost system combining low-profile pressure sensitive sensors with an inertial measurement unit to assess loading distribution within prosthetic sockets. The objective of this study was to determine the ability of this prototype to assess in-socket loading profiles of a person with an amputation during walking, with a view to understanding socket design and fit.Methods: The device was evaluated on four transtibial participants of various age and activity levels. The pressure sensors were embedded in the subject's sockets and an inertial measurement unit was attached to the posterior side of the socket. Measurements were taken during level walking in a gait lab.Results: The sensors were able to dynamically collect data, informing loading profiles within the socket which were in line with expected distributions for patellar-tendon-bearing and total-surface-bearing sockets. The patellar tendon bearing subject displayed loading predominately at the patellar tendon, tibial and lateral gastrocnemius regions. The total-surface bearing subjects indicated even load distribution throughout the socket except in one participant who presented with a large socket-foot misalignment.Conclusions: The sensors provided objective data showing the pressure distributions inside the prosthetic socket. The sensors were able to measure the pressure in the socket with sufficient accuracy to distinguish pressure regions that matched expected loading patterns. The information may be useful to aid fitting of complex residual limbs and for those with reduced sensation in their residual limb, alongside the subjective feedback from prosthesis users.
AU  - Hopkins,M
AU  - Turner,S
AU  - McGregor,A
DO  - 10.3389/fmedt.2022.908002
EP  - 9
PY  - 2022///
SN  - 2673-3129
SP  - 1
TI  - Mapping lower-limb prosthesis load distributions using a low-cost pressure measurement system
T2  - Frontiers in Medical Technology
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fmedt.2022.908002
UR  - https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmedt.2022.908002/full
UR  - http://hdl.handle.net/10044/1/97648
VL  - 4
ER  -
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