Low-level distal weight bearing in transtibial prosthesis users may help maintain perfusion and improve both proprioception and residual limb tissue health.
The primary objectives of this research were to develop a sensor to continuously measure distal weight bearing, evaluate how prosthesis design variables affected weight bearing levels, and assess fluctuations in distal weight bearing during at-home and community use.
In-lab testing on a small group of participants wearing adjustable sockets demonstrated that if distal contact was present, when socket size was increased distal weight bearing increased and when socket size was reduced distal weight bearing decreased. During take-home use, participants accepted the distal weight bearing level set by the research team. It ranged between 1.1% and 6.4% BW for all days tested. The coefficient of variation (standard deviation/mean) ranged from 25% to 43% and was expected due in part to differences in walking style, speed, terrain, direction of ambulation, and bout duration. Two participants commented that they preferred presence of distal weight bearing to non-presence.
Next steps in this research are to develop clinical practices to determine target distal weight bearing levels and ranges, and to simplify the design of the sensor and weight bearing adjustment mechanism for clinical use.