Design, Characterization, and Evaluation of a Dynamic Soft Robotic Prosthetic Socket Interface

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Breanna Holmes ◽  
Wenlong Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Residual Limb ◽  
Embedded Sensing ◽  
Prosthetic Socket ◽  
Socket Interface ◽  
Prototype Design

Prosthetic sockets are static interfaces for dynamic residual limbs. As the user’s activity level increases, the volume of the residual limb can decrease by up to 11% and increase by as much as 7% after activity. Currently, volume fluctuation is addressed by adding/removing prosthetic socks to change the profile of the residual limb. However, this is impractical and time consuming. These painful/functional issues demand a prosthetic socket with an adjustable interface that can adapt to the user’s needs. This paper presents a prototype design for a dynamic soft robotic interface which addresses this need. The actuators are adjustable depending on the user’s activity level, and their structure provides targeted compression to the soft tissue which helps to limit movement of the bone relative to the socket. Testing of the prototype demonstrated promising potential for the design with further refinement. Work on embedded sensing and intelligent feedback control should be continued in future research in order to create a viable consumer product which can improve a lower limb amputee’s quality of life.

scholarly journals CLINICAL OUTCOME OF TRANSFEMORAL DIRECT SOCKET INTERFACE (PART 2)

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joel Walker ◽  
W. Russ Marable ◽  
Christian Smith ◽  
Benedikt Þorri Sigurjónsson ◽  
Ingi Freyr Atlason ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Clinical Outcome ◽  
The United States ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Residual Limb ◽  
Transtibial Amputation ◽  
Single Visit ◽  
Life Years ◽  
Socket Interface

BACKGROUND: Amputation at the transfemoral (TF) level reduces the rate of successful prosthetic fitting, functional outcome, and quality of life (QoL) compared with transtibial amputation. The TF socket interface is considered the most critical part of the prosthesis, but socket discomfort is still the most common user complaint.  Direct Socket for transfemoral prosthesis users is a novel interface fabrication process where the socket is shaped and laminated directly on the residual limb and delivered in a single visit. OBJECTIVE(S): The aim of this study was to investigate if prosthetic users' quality of life (QoL), comfort, and mobility with a Direct Socket TF interface were comparable to their experience with their previous prostheses. METHODOLOGY: The pre/post design prospective cohort study included 47 subjects. From this cohort, 36 subjects completed the 6-months follow-up (mean age 58 years, 27 males). Outcomes at baseline included EQ-5D-5L®, PLUS-M™, CLASS, ABC, AMPPRO, and TUG. At 6-weeks and 6-months, subjects repeated all measures. Seven Certified Prosthetist (CP) investigators performed observations and data collection at six different sites (from July 2018 to April 2020).  FINDINGS: Results showed significant improvement in all outcome measures for the 36 subjects that completed both 6-weeks and 6-months follow-ups. CLASS sub-scales showed significantly improved stability, suspension, comfort, and socket appearance. Improvement in K-Level and less use of assistive devices were observed with the AMPPRO instrument, indicating improved user mobility and performance. QoL was also increased, as measured in Quality-Adjusted-Life-Years (QALY) from the EQ-5D-5L. CONCLUSION: Evidence from the findings demonstrate that the Direct Socket TF system and procedure can be a good alternative to the traditional method of prosthetic interface delivery. Layman's Abstract After lower limb amputation, the goal for most people is to regain mobility and independence and return to normal daily activities. Typically, people with transfemoral amputation are less likely to receive a prosthesis or fully use a prosthesis as compared to people with transtibial amputation. Moreover, their quality of life is also lower. The Direct Socket TF method is a new way of fabricating a prosthetic socket for users with above-knee amputation, enabling fabrication directly onto the residual limb and delivery of the socket in a single visit. In this study, we wanted to understand how the effect of Direct Socket TF on prosthetic 'user's quality of life, health, mobility level, and balance would compare to their previous prosthesis. This new Direct Socket TF procedure was implemented in six different prosthetic clinics across the United States and used by 36 prosthetic users for six months. Our first article on this study describes increased user satisfaction with their new interface and the single visit service model. This second article on the same clinical investigation documents the significant improvement in outcomes compared to their original interface in terms of quality of life, confidence, mobility, comfort, stability, and activity level. Article PDF Link: https://jps.library.utoronto.ca/index.php/cpoj/article/view/36065/27923 Direct Socket TF – Summary (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fvVFqjgxjo How To Cite: Walker J, Marable W.R, Smith C, Sigurjónsson B.Þ, Atlason I.F, Johannesson G.A. Clinical outcome of transfemoral direct socket interface (part 2). Canadian Prosthetics & Orthotics Journal. 2021;Volume 4, Issue 1, No.6. https://doi.org/10.33137/cpoj.v4i1.36065 Corresponding Author: Anton Johannesson, PhDTeamOlmed, Kistagången 12, 164 40 Kista, Stockholm, Sweden.E-mail:  [email protected]: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8729-458X

scholarly journals Twelve Weeks of Strengthening Exercise for Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Prospective Intervention Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 2792
Author(s):  
Bomi Sul ◽  
Kyoung Bo Lee ◽  
Young Bin Joo ◽  
Bo Young Hong ◽  
Joon-Sung Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Exercise Group ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Intervention Period ◽  
Sf 36 ◽  
Strengthening Exercise

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients may benefit from exercise for several reasons. However, whole-limb strengthening exercises for such patients remain poorly studied. We hypothesized that systemic strength training that includes the upper and lower extremities would improve strength per se and enhance the quality of life. Here, we investigated the effects of 12 weeks of upper- and lower-limb strengthening exercise on the strength and quality of life of RA patients using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health model. This was a prospective, interventional controlled trial. Forty female RA patients were recruited and assigned to two groups not based on willingness to exercise, with 20 patients in the exercise group and 20 in the control group. All patients in the exercise group received once-weekly training sessions of 60 min over 12 weeks. All participants were assessed before and after the 12-week intervention period. We measured the hand grip strength and isometric quadriceps contraction, the cross-sectional area of the rectus femoris (CSA-RF) (via ultrasonography), and performed the 30 s sit-to-stand test and the 6 min walk test (6MWT). We derived the Borg scale score after the 6MWT and assessed the extent of social participation and quality of life using a Korean version of the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). A total of 35 subjects completed the experiment (18 in the exercise group, 17 in the control group). After the 12-week intervention period, the lower-limb strength and the CSA-RF were significantly increased in the exercise group. The activity level did not change significantly in either group. The exercise group exhibited significant improvements in the SF-36 mental health domain scores. Thus, strengthening exercise is useful for patients with RA.

Reliability and construct validity of a new Danish translation of the Prosthesis Evaluation Questionnaire in a population of Danish amputees

2016 ◽  
Vol 41 (5) ◽  
pp. 469-475 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Christensen ◽  
Patrick Doherty ◽  
Jakob Bue Bjorner ◽  
Henning Langberg
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Construct Validity ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Residual Limb ◽  
Evaluation Questionnaire ◽  
Social Burden ◽  
Reliability Estimates ◽  
Lower Limb Amputees

Background:Most amputees live with their prostheses for a long time. Therefore, quality of life is an important outcome for lower limb amputees.Objective:To translate the Prosthesis Evaluation Questionnaire (PEQ) and evaluate psychometric properties.Study Design:Methodological research.Methods:Lower limb amputees responded to electronic versions of the PEQ and SF-36v2 at baseline (n=64), after two weeks (n=51), and after 12 weeks (n=50). Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) analyses of the baseline and two weeks test-retest data. Estimates for standard error of measurement (SEM) were calculated based on reliability estimates. Construct validity was evaluated by testing using hypotheses testing.Results:Reliability estimates (ICC/Cronbach’s alpha) for the nine subscales were: Social Burden (0.85/0.76), Appearance (0.85/0.72), Residual Limb Health (0.80/0.69), Well-Being (0.78/0.90), Utility (0.76/0.89), Frustration (0.74/0.90), Perceived Response (0.62/0.80), Ambulation (0.61/0.94), Sounds (0.51/0.65). Construct validity was supported in three out of four subscales evaluated.Conclusions:The subscales Social Burden, Appearance, Well-Being, Utility and Frustration had consistent high reliability, supporting their use in assessing the prosthesis related quality of life in lower limb amputees. Results were mixed on three other scales (Residual Limb Health, Perceived Response, and Ambulation), while one scale, Sounds, had consistent low reliability.Clinical relevanceFor the first time a patient reported disease specific quality of life measure for lower limb amputees is available in Danish. Health care providers can now identify patients with reduced quality of life and measure treatment and rehabilitation effects over time.

scholarly journals Indices of physical activity, quality of life and psychological characteristics in patients with amputated lower limb

2014 ◽  
Vol 95 (6) ◽  
pp. 830-835
Author(s):  
F M Biktimirova ◽  
M V Fedorenko ◽  
E I Aukhadeev
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Locomotor Activity ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Functional Independence ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Psychological Characteristics ◽  
High Level

Aim. To study the physical activity in disabled patients who underwent an amputation of the lower limb in a late period of rehabilitation and prosthetics. Methods. The study included patients with structural and functional disorders of limbs. 308 patients aged 18 to 66 years were randomly selected to participate in the study as they were referred to Prosthetic and orthopedics center «Reabilitaciya invalidov», Kazan, Russia from 2008 to 2010. Patients were allocated to five age groups: 19 to 29 years, 30 to 39 years, 40 to 49 years, 50 to 59 years old and older than 60 years. Activity level, depending on the motor capacity was investigated in 308 patients who were offered prosthetics according to the classification subdividing locomotor activity on five levels. SF-36 questionnaire (quality of life), Spielberger-Hanin reactive and personal anxiety scales, Beck Depression Inventory, the Mehrabian Achieving Tendency Scale, Smisek-Leonhard characterological test were administered. Quality of lower limbs prostheses were assessed by «TWO LEGS» prosthesis evaluation questionnaire on a 5-point scale. Results. The majority of patients who were at the remote stage of rehabilitation after prosthesis had high level of physical activity - 141 (45.7%) patients, average activity level - 81 (26.2%) patients, reduced level of activity - 63 (20.5%) patients. High level of physical activity, depending on the locomotor activity, was more typical for the second (20-29) and third (30-39 years) age groups - 60 and 54%, respectively. Very high and high levels of physical activity was equally observed in patients with one and both amputated both lower legs: 8.4 and 7%, respectively. Conclusion. Level of amputation, age and psychological characteristics, as well as prosthesis quality and the term of prosthesis use were essential for motor activity, quality of life and functional independence of the disabled with structural and functional of the lower limb disorders.

The use of a direct manufacturing prosthetic socket system in a rural community in South Africa: A pilot study and lessons for future research

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (5) ◽  
pp. 455-462 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liezel Ennion ◽  
Anton Johannesson ◽  
Anthea Rhoda
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Post Discharge ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Prosthetic Socket ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related

Background: Challenges exist with the provision of appropriate mobility assistive devices in rural areas. The use of the direct manufacturing prosthetic socket system is a possible solution to these challenges. Objectives: The objective of this study was to test and explore the clients’ perspectives with the application of this device. Study design: Within a mixed-methods approach, a longitudinal sequential explanatory design was applied. Methods: The Orthotic and Prosthetic User’s Survey was administered to explore the use of the direct manufacturing prosthetic socket system in terms of function, health-related quality of life and client satisfaction. A conveniently selected sample of 21 individuals who suffered a unilateral trans-tibial amputation was included. Data were collected at 1, 3 and 6 months post fitting, and two focus group discussions were also administered. Results: Of the 21 participants recruited, 11 returned for follow up. Although participants reported favourably about the prosthesis, their scores were generally worse than the norms with regard to function and quality of life. Participants highlighted the need for improvement in the cosmetic appearance of the prosthesis. Conclusion: The direct manufacturing prosthetic socket system could be considered as an alternative technique of socket manufacturing for individuals living in rural areas due to the shorter manufacture time and promising initial results, but further research on this topic with a bigger sample is recommended. Clinical relevance The direct manufacturing prosthetic socket system may be considered as an alternative to the traditional prosthetic socket manufacturing technique used in South Africa. As this device requires only one visit and therefore decreased travel by the patients to the hospitals, it could be applicable to more amputees who cannot return to hospital post discharge.

Self-Compassion and Quality of Life in Adults Who Stutter

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 2097-2108
Author(s):  
Robyn L. Croft ◽  
Courtney T. Byrd
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
The Self ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
Adults Who Stutter ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this study was to identify levels of self-compassion in adults who do and do not stutter and to determine whether self-compassion predicts the impact of stuttering on quality of life in adults who stutter. Method Participants included 140 adults who do and do not stutter matched for age and gender. All participants completed the Self-Compassion Scale. Adults who stutter also completed the Overall Assessment of the Speaker's Experience of Stuttering. Data were analyzed for self-compassion differences between and within adults who do and do not stutter and to predict self-compassion on quality of life in adults who stutter. Results Adults who do and do not stutter exhibited no significant differences in total self-compassion, regardless of participant gender. A simple linear regression of the total self-compassion score and total Overall Assessment of the Speaker's Experience of Stuttering score showed a significant, negative linear relationship of self-compassion predicting the impact of stuttering on quality of life. Conclusions Data suggest that higher levels of self-kindness, mindfulness, and social connectedness (i.e., self-compassion) are related to reduced negative reactions to stuttering, an increased participation in daily communication situations, and an improved overall quality of life. Future research should replicate current findings and identify moderators of the self-compassion–quality of life relationship.

Quality of Life, Physical Activity Level and Psychological Profile of Nigerians with Serious Mental Illness and Healthy Psychotropic Naive Subjects (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Arinze Okonkwo ◽  
Peter Olarenwaju Ibikunle ◽  
Izuchukwu Nwafor ◽  
Andrew Orovwigho
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Serious Mental Illness ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Psychological Profile ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Apparently Healthy

BACKGROUND Quality of life (QoL), physical activity (PA) level and psychological profile (PF) of patients with serious mental illness have been neglected during patient’s management OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of selected psychotropic drugs on the QoL, PA level and PF of patients with serious mental illness METHODS A cross sectional survey involving one hundred and twenty-four subject [62 Serious Mental Illness (SMI) and 62 apparently healthy subjects as control] using purposive and consecutive sampling respectively .Questionnaires for each of the constructs were administered to the participants for data collation. Analysis of the data was done using non parametric inferential statistics of Mann-Whitney U independent test and Spearman’s rho correlation with alpha level set as 0.05. RESULTS Significant difference was recorded in the QoL (p<0.05) of patient with SMI and apparently healthy psychotropic naive participants. There was a significant correlation between the QoL (p<0.05) and PF of participants with SMI. Participants with SMI had significantly lower QoL than apparently healthy psychotropic naive subject. QoL of the healthy psychotropic naive group was better than those of the participants with SMI. Female participants with SMI had higher PA than their male counterparts CONCLUSIONS Psychological profiles of male participants with SMI were lower than male healthy psychotropic naive participants. Clinicians should take precaution to monitor the QoL, PA level and PF because the constructs are relevant in evaluation of treatment outcome.

scholarly journals SAT0620-HPR INACTIVITY BEHAVIOR AND EXERCISE BARRIERS IN PATIENTS WITH BEHÇET’S DISEASE

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1270.1-1270
Author(s):  
S. Baglan Yentur ◽  
D. C. Saraç ◽  
N. G. Tore ◽  
F. Sarİ ◽  
N. Atas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Behçet’S Disease ◽  
Physical Activity Level ◽  
Behcet’S Disease ◽  
Behçet's Disease ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Behcet's Disease ◽  
Exercise Barriers

Background:Behçet’s Disease (BD) is a chronic, inflammatory, rheumatic disease that is characterized by mucocutaneous lesions and can be seen major organ involvement such as eyes, musculoskeletal system, gastrointestinal system and central nervous system. Impaired quality of life, aerobic capacity, respiratory function and life satisfaction, sleep disorders, depression, anxiety and fatigue are seen commonly in BD patients like the other rheumatic diseases. Considering that regular physical activity effects survival for patients and healthy people, it is important to determine the factors affecting physical activity level and exercise barriers.Objectives:The aim of this study is to investigate physical activity level and exercise barriers in patients with BD.Methods:45 patients were included in the study. Physical activity level, exercise barriers, fatigue, depression, pain, quality of life and aerobic capacity were evaluated with International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Exercise Barriers and Benefits Scale (EBBS), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Behçet’s Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire (BDQoL) and 6 minutes walk test, respectively. Spaerman’s Correlation Coefficient were used to investigate the relationships between exercise barriers and other parameters.Results:IPAQ demonstrated that 22 (48.8%) of the patients had low level physical activitiy. Additionally, physical activity levels significantly correlated with both exercise barriers (rho= -0.345) and exercise benefits (rho= 0.320) (p<0.05). BDQoL scores also correlated significantly with exercise barrier scores (rho= 0.338), (p<0.05). No significant relationships were observed for other parameters.Conclusion:Exercise and physical activity are of great importance because of its positive contribution to the musculoskeletal system for BD patients’ rehabilitation. Thinking of negative effects of physical inactivity, patients with Behçet disease should be encouraged to exercise. Also, reasons of physical inactivity should be investigated and treated.References:[1]Ilhan B, Can M, Alibaz-Oner F, Yilmaz-Oner S, Polat-Korkmaz O, Ozen G et al. Fatigue in patients with Behcet’s syndrome: relationship with quality of life, depression, anxiety, disability and disease activity. International journal of rheumatic diseases. 2018;21(12):2139-45.[2]Alder NM, Fisher M, Yazici Y. Behçet’s syndrome patients have high levels of functional disability, fatigue and pain as measured by a Multi-dimensional Health Assessment Questionnaire (MDHAQ). Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2008;26(Suppl 50):S110-3.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

scholarly journals Economic assessment of a community-based care package for people with lower limb disorder caused by lymphatic filariasis, podoconiosis and leprosy in Ethiopia

2020 ◽  
Vol 114 (12) ◽  
pp. 1021-1034
Author(s):  
Natalia Hounsome ◽  
Mersha Kinfe ◽  
Maya Semrau ◽  
Oumer Ali ◽  
Abraham Tesfaye ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Lymphatic Filariasis ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Life Quality ◽  
Psychosocial Care ◽  
Northwest Ethiopia ◽  
World Health ◽  
Care Package ◽  
The Cost

Abstract We conducted an implementation research study to integrate a holistic package of physical health, mental health and psychosocial care for podoconiosis, lymphatic filariasis and leprosy into routine healthcare in Gusha cluster, Guagusa Shikudad district, northwest Ethiopia. The healthcare package included training patients in lower limb hygiene and skin care and provision of shoes, hygiene supplies and medication. The implementation activities included training events, workshops, awareness raising, self-help groups, supportive supervision, staff secondments and advisory board meetings. The cost of implementing the care package in Gusha cluster, with a population of 30 558 people, was 802 655 Ethiopian birr (ETB) (£48 159) and the cost of delivering care to 235 participants was 204 388 ETB (£12 263), or 870 ETB (£52) per person. There was a 35% decrease in the mean disability scores (measured using the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0) and a 45% improvement in the dermatology-specific quality of life (measured using the Dermatology Life Quality Index) at the 3-month follow-up compared with baseline. There were reductions in the number of days with symptoms, days off usual activities/work and days with reduced activity due to illness, all of which were statistically significant. Our pilot suggests that integration of the care package into routine healthcare in Ethiopia may be effective in improving health-related quality of life and disability and reducing time out of economic activity due to illness.

scholarly journals Perceived and objective availability of green and blue spaces and quality of life in people with dementia: results from the IDEAL programme

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu-Tzu Wu ◽  
◽  
Linda Clare ◽  
Ian Rees Jones ◽  
Sharon M. Nelis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Deprivation Level ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Interaction Terms ◽  
Perceived Availability ◽  
People With Dementia

Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between quality of life and both perceived and objective availability of local green and blue spaces in people with dementia, including potential variation across rural/urban settings and those with/without opportunities to go outdoors. Methods This study was based on 1540 community-dwelling people with dementia in the Improving the experience of Dementia and Enhancing Active Life (IDEAL) programme. Quality of life was measured by the Quality of Life in Alzheimer’s Disease (QoL-AD) scale. A list of 12 types of green and blue spaces was used to measure perceived availability while objective availability was estimated using geographic information system data. Regression modelling was employed to investigate the associations of quality of life with perceived and objective availability of green and blue spaces, adjusting for individual factors and deprivation level. Interaction terms with rural/urban areas or opportunities to go outdoors were fitted to test whether the associations differed across these subgroups. Results Higher QoL-AD scores were associated with higher perceived availability of local green and blue spaces (0.82; 95% CI 0.06, 1.58) but not objective availability. The positive association between perceived availability and quality of life was stronger for urban (1.50; 95% CI 0.52, 2.48) than rural residents but did not differ between participants with and without opportunities to go outdoors. Conclusions Only perceived availability was related to quality of life in people with dementia. Future research may investigate how people with dementia utilise green and blue spaces and improve dementia-friendliness of these spaces.

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