Toward Restoration of Normative Postural Control and Stability Using Neural Control of Powered Prosthetic Ankles
North Carolina State University
Summary
The objective of this proposal is to investigate the effects of training to use direct electromyographic (dEMG) control of a powered prosthetic ankle on transtibial amputees'. The aimed questions to answer: 1. whether dEMG control will improve balance and postural stability of amputees, 2. whether dEMG control will lead to more natural neuromuscular control and coordination, 3) whether dEMG control will reduce cognitive processes. Participants will go through PT guided training on using dEMG controlled prosthetic ankles and are evaluated for their capability on functional tasks. The results will be compared with a comparison group, which goes through the same training but with their everyday passive prostheses on balance capability, neuromuscular coordination, and cognitive load during locomotion.
Description
Lab Visit Experience for Participants with lower limb amputation: * Number of Lab Visits: 15 visits. Clinicians may recommend skipping some of the visits or tasks based on clinical evaluation and status of the participants. * Length of Lab Visit: three hours maximum 1. First visit: the purpose of the first visit is to conduct consent and conduct measurements to decide walking speed and ABC (amputee balance confidence) score. 2. Second visit: this visit is to ensure that the amputees' own socket system can be integrated into the powered prosthetic leg and validate the effectiveness of the…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–99 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * 18 years or older; * unilateral bower limb amputee * K-level 2 or higher (who are frequent prosthesis users and may benefit from the proposed prosthesis training and use of dEMG controlled powered prosthesis) * Amputation occurred over 2 years ago * At least 1 year of experience using their prosthetic leg * Has used the current socket for at least 6 months without a significant skin issue or major modification * Are willing to come to NC State University's Centennial Campus to participate in research and be photographed while doing research activities Exclusion Criteria…
Interventions
- Devicedirect EMG controlled prosthetic ankle
Patients are trained to use the powered prosthetic ankles
- BehavioralPT guided prosthetic training
Amputees are trained to use prosthetic ankles
Location
- North Carolina State UniversityRaleigh, North Carolina