Research project: Interface sensors and biomechanics at the residuum/socket interface for lower limb prosthetics

Load sensing and monitoring at the body-support interface is important for physical rehabilitation and can potentially be used to prevent skin ulcers and/or soft tissue breakdowns, which affects the quality of life for many patients. We have developed a unique TRi-axial Pressure and Shear (TRIPS) sensor system which is designed to be wearable and applicable at various  body locations to provide real time feedback on biomechanical tissue interactions during daily activities.

This project applies unique wearable interface sensors at the residuum/socket interface to provide real time pressure and shear vs time during walking. This research holds significant potential for disruptive technologies to help evaluate socket fit, tissue monitoring and gain new biomechanical insight in lower limb prosthetics. Dynamic coupling at the interface based on 3D motion capture is also being studied.