A prototype haptic feedback system for lower-limb prostheses and sensory neuropathy.
Lower-limb sensory loss as a result of peripheral neuropathy or amputation results in sub-optimal movement and an increased incidence of injury. While the adoption of lower-limb prostheses and therapeutic footwear can reduce tissue injury and support movement, the fundamental problem of sensory loss continues to exist. A prototype haptic feedback system has been developed to aid in the recovery of lower-limb sensation due to these causes. Thin-film force sensors placed at the critical points for gait and balance functions collect essential force data, which is delivered to the user via pneumatically controlled balloon inflation. It is postulated that the use of this system will increase the tactile awareness of a patient's lower-limb or prosthesis, and when used in concert with modern rehabilitation techniques will create a method that will reduce the duration and improve the quality of lower-limb rehabilitation, especially in gait and balance functions.
Fan
Richard E
RE
Center for Advanced Surgical and Interventional Technology (CASIT), USA. rfan@ucla.edu
Culjat
Martin O
MO
King
Chih-Hung
CH
Franco
Miguel L
ML
Sedrak
Mark
M
Bisley
James W
JW
Dutson
Erik P
EP
Grundfest
Warren S
WS
D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000294:innervation / Q000503:physiopathology; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology; D014110:Touch; D014481:United States; D014584:User-Computer Interface