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Evaluation of the Seattle Foot
Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development
|July 1, 1986
Summary
The Seattle Foot evaluation established new methods for assessing prosthetic devices. This project facilitated the commercialization of innovative prosthetic foot technology for amputees.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Engineering
- Prosthetics and Orthotics
- Biomedical Device Evaluation
Background:
- The Rehabilitation Research and Development Evaluation Unit's first major project.
- Collaboration with the Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service.
- Introduction of the innovative Seattle Foot prosthetic concept.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the Seattle Foot prosthetic device.
- To establish precedents for evaluating new prototype devices.
- To facilitate the commercialization of prosthetic innovations.
Main Methods:
- Utilized evaluation protocols developed by the Prosthetic Research Study.
- Service delivery organized through 44 Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) Prosthetic Clinics.
- Data collection involved feedback from prosthetic contractors and 486 veteran subjects.
Main Results:
- Successfully launched the Seattle Foot, a significant new prosthetic foot concept.
- Set precedents for evaluating prototype prosthetic devices.
- Demonstrated effective methods for facilitating commercialization of new technologies.
Conclusions:
- The evaluation successfully validated the Seattle Foot and established a framework for future device assessments.
- The project highlighted the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in prosthetic innovation.
- The established methods contribute to the advancement of rehabilitation research and development.