Intelligent body interface systems for prosthetic rehabilitation

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Research problem: The greatest challenge in the field of lower limb prosthetics lies at the stump/socket interface. Currently, lower limb prostheses are reliant on a great deal of skill and expertise for correct fitment and adjustment. This process is largely dependent on observational, unguided, unquantified practice and based on artisan methods which are unlikely to produce consistent outcomes. Furthermore, socket fitting is primarily conducted in clinics based on a "snap-shot" assessment of the stump. There is no real time monitoring and solutions which can be exploited to adjust socket fitting at home settings. Thus, there is an unmet need of an intelligent socket interface system to ensure comfort and high quality of socket fitting at all time, maximizing overall rehabilitation outcomes. Aims: This project aims to develop an adaptive socket interface system that is facilitated by real time interface measures and associated musculoskeletal biomechanics. Workplan: This is a multidisciplinary project spanning across engineering areas of e.g. materials, mechatronics, biomechanics and computational modelling as well as areas of prosthetic rehabilitation e.g. amputee gait analysis and tissue biomechanics. Primary work plan includes the development of: Gait analysis for lower limber amputees (including placement at Blatchford) 3D dynamic coupling and interface loading at lower limb prosthetic socket interface Musculoskeletal models based on real time inputs. Advance socket interface with intelligent feedback Socket assessment in lab and in clinical environment. Primary outcomes include: Comprehensive socket interface biomechanical analysis Novel musculoskeletal models to assess dynamic coupling at the interface Advanced functional materials and systems for intelligent socket Proof-of-concept of adaptive socket with clinical potentials