Providing time-discrete gait information by wearable feedback apparatus for lower-limb amputees: usability and functional validation.
Here we describe a novel wearable feedback apparatus for lower-limb amputees. The system is based on three modules: a pressure-sensitive insole for the measurement of the plantar pressure distribution under the prosthetic foot during gait, a computing unit for data processing and gait segmentation, and a set of vibrating elements placed on the thigh skin. The feedback strategy relies on the detection of specific gait-phase transitions of the amputated leg. Vibrating elements are activated in a time-discrete manner, simultaneously with the occurrence of the detected gait-phase transitions. Usability and effectiveness of the apparatus were successfully assessed through an experimental validation involving ten healthy volunteers.
Simona
S
Crea
Christian
C
Cipriani
Marco
M
Donati
Maria Chiara
MC
Carrozza
Nicola
N
Vitiello
D000328:Adult; D000672:Amputation Stumps / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000674:Amputees / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D001186:Artificial Limbs; D001676:Biofeedback, Psychology / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D025461:Feedback, Physiological; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008365:Manometry / Q000295:instrumentation; D018670:Monitoring, Ambulatory / Q000295:instrumentation; D010812:Physical Stimulation / Q000295:instrumentation; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012016:Reference Values; D012775:Shoes; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014732:Vibration