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This study aims to validate an analysis algorithm based on pressure at the socket relief valve for quantifying prosthetic wearing times, walking times, and stride count in transtibial amputees. The algorithm provides a non-intrusive, objective method to monitor prosthesis usage and user activity in free-living environments.
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Validity of method to quantify transtibial amputees’ free-living prosthetic wearing times and physical activity levels when using suction suspension sockets Kit Tzu Tang, EngD; William D. Spence; Douglas Maxwell; Benedict Williams Stansfield, PhD
Aim • Validate analysis algorithm (based on pressure at socket relief valve) for quantifying prosthesis wearing times, walking times, and stride count. • Relevance • Laboratory gait analyses don't provide evidence of amputees' levels of daily free-living activity, and questionnaires are subjective. • Monitoring prosthesis wearing times and users’ physical activity would provide invaluable information about rehabilitation progress and prosthesis suitability.
Methods • 8 participants with transtibial amputation were fitted with custom-made suction sockets. • Analysis algorithms automatically characterized physical activity based on pressure at socket’s relief valve. • Generally applicable algorithm that required no participant-specific calibration. • Algorithms were validated in laboratory-based protocol that included walking, stair climbing, standing, sitting, donning, and doffing.
Results • Analysis algorithms vs concurrent video analysis: • High intraclass correlation coefficients (>0.98) for agreement between “off,” “static,” and “dynamic” times and stride count. • Results demonstrate that pressure at pressure-relief valve of suction suspension sockets can be used to determine wearing times and activity state.
Conclusions • This monitoring solution: • Successfully used pressure at pressure-relief valve of suction suspension sockets to determine wearing times and activity state. • May allow quantification of multiple days of prosthetic use and user activity in free-living environments. • Doesn’t interfere with prosthesis fit and requires minimal patient or clinician input. • Permits acquisition of free-living physical activity data without subjective error of questionnaire reporting.
