Impact of Improving Footwear Options for Women Veterans With Amputations
VA Office of Research and Development
Summary
Veterans with leg amputations have limited footwear options because their artificial feet do not change shapes for different shoes. Studies have shown that women with amputations receive more frequent prosthetics care than men, but are less satisfied with the fit, comfort, and appearance of their prostheses. The investigators' previous research indicates that women Veterans would like to be able to wear a broader variety of footwear, and those who perceive more footwear limitations tend to have poorer body image and community participation. A new prosthesis designed by the investigators' group allows Veterans with amputations to use their footwear of choice using 3D-printed artificial feet with a single ankle. The novel prosthesis will be tested in this project with women Veterans with amputations to determine the impact of improving footwear options on body image and community participation.
Description
Background - Veterans with leg amputations have limited footwear options because their artificial feet do not change shapes for different shoes. Studies have shown that women with amputations receive more frequent prosthetics care than men, but are less satisfied with the fit, comfort, and appearance of their prostheses. The investigators' previous research indicates that women Veterans would like to be able to wear a broader variety of footwear, and those who perceive more footwear limitations tend to have poorer body image and community participation. A new prosthesis designed by the investi…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–89 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * US military Veterans that identify as women * Transtibial (below-knee) amputation * Using a definitive prosthesis for at least 6 months (limb has accommodated to prosthesis use post-amputation) * Well fitting and well aligned prosthesis * Blessed Orientation-Memory-Concentration (Short Blessed) score between 0-6 * Access to computer, tablet, or smart phone and internet for video conferencing and RedCap data collection Exclusion Criteria: * Residual limb skin problems * Residual limb too long to accommodate the RECOVER prosthetic ankle-feet system * Unable or unwilling…
Interventions
- DeviceRECOVER Prosthetic Ankle-Feet System
The RECOVER prosthetic ankle-feet system includes a single prosthetic ankle joint that can be easily attached to 3D printed feet. The feet are designed to fit specifically within different footwear.
Location
- Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MNMinneapolis, Minnesota