Temperature measurement and control system for transtibial prostheses: Functional evaluation.
The accumulation of heat inside the prosthetic socket increases skin temperature and fosters perspiration, which consequently leads to high tissue stress, friction blister, discomfort, unpleasant odor, and decreased prosthesis suspension and use. In the present study, the prototype of a temperature measurement and control (TM&C) system was designed, fabricated, and functionally evaluated in a phantom model of the transtibial prosthetic socket. The TM&C system was comprised of 12 thermistors divided equally into two groups that arranged internal and external to a prosthetic silicone liner. Its control system was programmed to select the required heating or cooling function of a thermal pump to provide thermal equilibrium based on the amount of temperature difference from a defined set temperature, or the amount of difference between the mean temperature recorded by inside and outside thermistors. A thin layer of aluminum was used for thermal conduction between the thermal pump and different sites around the silicone liner. The results showed functionality of the TM&C system for thermoregulation inside the prosthetic socket. However, enhancing the structure of this TM&C system, increasing its thermal power, and decreasing its weight and cost are main priorities before further development.
a Department of Orthotics and Prosthetics, School of Rehabilitation Sciences , Hamadan University of Medical Sciences , Hamadan , Iran.|b Interdisciplinary Division of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering , Hong Kong Polytechnic University , Kowloon , Hong Kong.|c Department of Orthotics and Prosthetics , University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences , Tehran , Iran.
Kamiar
0000-0002-9813-6613
K
Ghoseiri
b Interdisciplinary Division of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering , Hong Kong Polytechnic University , Kowloon , Hong Kong.
Yong Ping
YP
Zheng
b Interdisciplinary Division of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering , Hong Kong Polytechnic University , Kowloon , Hong Kong.
Aaron K L
AKL
Leung
d Department of Biostatistics , University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences , Tehran , Iran.
Mehdi
M
Rahgozar
c Department of Orthotics and Prosthetics , University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences , Tehran , Iran.
Gholamreza
G
Aminian
b Interdisciplinary Division of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering , Hong Kong Polytechnic University , Kowloon , Hong Kong.
Tat Hing
TH
Lee
c Department of Orthotics and Prosthetics , University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences , Tehran , Iran.
Mohammad Reza
MR
Safari
D000672:Amputation Stumps / Q000503:physiopathology; D000674:Amputees / Q000534:rehabilitation; D001186:Artificial Limbs; D001833:Body Temperature Regulation; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D012881:Skin Temperature; D013546:Sweating; D013977:Tibia / Q000503:physiopathology*
heat; perspiration; prosthetic socket; residual limb; skin; thermoregulatory system; transtibial amputation