Relationship between socket pressure and socket comfort
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An investigation into residual limb-socket interface pressures and their relationship with perceived levels of socket comfort in trans-femoral amputees
IRAS ID
283654
Contact name
Zulfiqur Ali
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Teesside University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 10 months, 1 days
Research summary
Development of a scientific approach to the study of prosthetic socket discomfort could lead to improvements in socket fit because discomfort problems are a major reason amputees reject their prostheses. Socket replacements are also costly; therefore, to achieve functional and comfortable prostheses, great attention must be paid to getting the fit right first time and reduce the need for re-design or replacement. In fact, the socket represents a critical interface between the user’s residual limb and the prosthetic leg. The problems related to socket design are a result of current techniques requiring a skilled prosthetist to determine the load bearing capability of the residual limb using “hands-on only approach” or “visual, tactile and subjective patient feedback” techniques without quantitative calculations. Moreover, verbal reports of pressure and discomfort from the patient are among the primary information by which the prosthetist determines that fit adjustments may be needed where to make them. The pressures between the residual limb and the socket can vary greatly in an above-knee amputee’s socket during walking. Therefore, a suitable socket must ensure efficient fitting, stability, and control and it is often key factor for the amputee accepting or rejecting the prosthesis itself. The main goal of this study is to determine quantitative pressure patterns at the socket-residual limb interface in above-knee amputees during standing and walking with a comfortable and uncomfortable socket. A relationship between the subjective perception of pressure and comfort may then be formed. To be able to achieve this, a number of trials will be conducted and pressure measurements at the residual limb-socket interface will be obtained with sensors. Upon completion of each trial, the participant will be asked to indicate the level of discomfort experienced when standing and walking with each socket condition using an established comfort scale.
REC name
Wales REC 3
REC reference
20/WA/0306
Date of REC Opinion
15 Dec 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion