Classifying Prosthesis Use Using Limb Motion Sensing
Katheryn J. Allyn, L/CPO, FAAOP
The purpose of this research is to implement a new technology that monitors residual limb motion within the socket to characterize prosthesis use rather than just activity (step count and cadence). The system detects patients' sits, seated shifts, stands, walks, standing weight-shifts, partial doffs, and non-use. The limb motion sensing system was worn by a group of people using transtibial prostheses in at-home environments.
Secondary Prosthesis Use Among Lower Limb Prosthesis Users
Cody L. McDonald, PhD, MPH, L/CPO
Prevalence estimates of secondary prosthesis use among a large national sample of lower limb prosthesis users will be presented. Differences in demographic characteristics of those who did and did not use secondary prostheses will be described.
Does Wearable Technology Improve Patient Outcomes? multi-site, Randomized Clinical Trial
Jason T. Kahle, MSMS, CPO, LPO, FAAOP
Amputee rehabilitation may be enhanced by strategies for edema control, accelerated wound healing, increased blood flow, limb protection, fall reduction and the psychological benefit of being able to stand and walk shortly following amputation. These factors would collectively reduce healthcare costs. Utilizing the latest science is paramount in preventing unnecessary delays in rehabilitation and represents the best use of limited healthcare resources. A common problem for the intermediate preparatory stage of prosthetic rehabilitation is distal residual limb (RL) pressure, due to commonly compromised sensation and patients' lack of understanding how to address it in a newly fitted prosthesis. Excess pressure can lead to skin breakdown, infection, surgical revision, re-hospitalization and delayed rehabilitation. To prevent this common problem among rehabilitating amputees, smart socket technology has been developed to better identify problems that may occur. Smart Socket Technology including Prompting (SST+P) in this randomized clinical trial senses distal pressure. When excess RL pressure is detected, the user's smart phone is signaled, which cues the patient to make a volume adjustment. This prompting may improve patient interaction and prevent problems as a result of common volume fluctuation and compromised sensation. The primary objective of this clinical trial is to determine if this SST+P will improve patient interaction, usability, comfort, fit, function and health economy outcomes compared with the standard of care (SOC) clinical practice protocols of fitting prosthetic socket interfaces for preparatory prostheses users during intermediate recovery stage of amputation rehabilitation. The hypothesis for this randomized clinical trial is, SST+P will improve rehabilitation outcomes.
Veteran Experience and Perceived Effectiveness with Phantom Limb Pain Treatments
Kierra J. Falbo, MPO, CPO
Recommending effective phantom limb pain treatments can be challenging for rehabilitation clinicians, and patient perception and engagement are critical factors for consideration. This session will discuss the experience of Veterans with several treatments for phantom limb pain, as well as their perceived effectiveness of the treatments in pain reduction. Understanding perceptions of phantom limb pain and its treatment can inform improved recommendations of effective interventions.