Adaptive prosthetic ankles for mobility, socket comfort and safety
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Adaptive prosthetic ankles to improve mobility, socket comfort and safety.
IRAS ID
310169
Contact name
Cleveland Barnett
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Nottingham Trent University
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Lower limb amputation is an emerging global health concern. Currently, there are over 1.6 million people with amputation in the U.S. and around 6000 new amputations are recorded per annum in the UK. A lower limb amputation results in the loss of the biological joint structures such as the ankle, along with the associated musculature. To overcome these physical losses, many people with lower limb amputation are provided with a prosthetic limb that enables them to participate in activities of daily living. The prescription of a prosthetic limb is a key factor in a person’s long-term health outlook. Research has repeatedly shown that more advanced prosthetic ankle devices, as well as more comfortable sockets, result in better mobility and health outcomes for the user. Prostheses that have the functionality to allow the users to perform the task they want to do, whilst also being comfortable to wear, are key in improving that person’s mobility, satisfaction and safety. It is important to understand what the effects of and potential benefits are from making adjustments to these devices are. The current project will explore two aspects of prosthetic limb design. These are the functional characteristics of the ankle device and the attachment method of the prosthetic limb to the user. The main aim of the project is to establish the effects of varying prosthetic ankle properties (range of motion and resistance) and limb suspension method (elevated vacuum) on aspects of socket comfort, mobility and safety during activities of daily living in people with unilateral, transtibial amputation.
REC name
East Midlands - Leicester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/EM/0139
Date of REC Opinion
11 Aug 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion