Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2026
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A Structured Rehabilitation Protocol for Improved Multifunctional Prosthetic Control: A Case Study
Published on: November 6, 2015
Enhancing prosthesis fitting: A protocol for acquiring thermal and biomechanical data from lower limb amputees
Natali Olaya-Mira1,2, Marina Gómez-Hernández3, Carolina Viloria-Barragán1
1Grupo de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica, Instituto Tecnológico Metropolitano, Medellín, Colombia.
Prosthetics and Orthotics International
|May 11, 2026
Summary
This study introduces a new protocol using thermal imaging and biomechanical analysis to improve prosthetic socket fit for lower limb amputees. This approach aims to reduce discomfort and prosthesis abandonment by providing data for individualized socket adjustments.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Rehabilitation Science
- Prosthetics and Orthotics
Background:
- Lower limb prosthetics face high abandonment rates (25-57%) due to residual limb-socket interface issues like discomfort, friction, and poor fit.
- Addressing challenges at the stump-socket interface is critical for improving long-term prosthesis use and user satisfaction.
- Current prosthetic fitting methods often lack comprehensive quantitative data for optimal socket design.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and evaluate a comprehensive protocol for collecting and analyzing quantitative data from transtibial amputees.
- To enhance prosthetic fitting in clinical settings by incorporating thermal imaging and biomechanical measures.
- To compare the effectiveness of different prosthetic suspension systems on fit and user performance.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional quantitative clinical study involving unilateral transtibial amputees.
- Utilized thermal imaging (thermograms) of the residual limb, plantar pressure platform for weight distribution, and inertial sensors for gait symmetry.
- Included the 2-minute walk test (2MWT) to assess functional mobility and compared different suspension systems.
Main Results:
- Analysis focused on temperature variations at the stump-socket interface and differences in thermal/biomechanical metrics between suspension systems.
- Hypothesized that suction systems offer better thermal consistency, pin-lock systems higher proximal temperature, and valve systems longer 2MWT distances.
- Variability in weight distribution and gait symmetry data will guide individualized socket adjustments.
Conclusions:
- Integrating thermal imaging and biomechanical analysis offers a more thorough evaluation of prosthetic fit.
- Infrared thermography (IRT) is a valuable, though underutilized, tool for identifying necessary prosthetic design adjustments.
- Standardizing such protocols can significantly improve clinical outcomes and user satisfaction in lower limb amputees.
Keywords:
2MWTaccelerometryamputeebiomedical thermographylower limbnoninvasive monitorizationprosthesisweight distribution
