A team of researchers developed an objective method to better quantify K-levels in people with amputations, reducing the subjectivity and variability of the assessment that can lead to inappropriate prosthetic selection and poorer functional outcomes.
The researchers tested the methodology using inertial sensor data developed through data collection from 20 people with amputations who walked on various types of outdoor terrain (flat ground, stairs, ramp, grass/uneven/unstable surfaces), with and without a walking aid.
The research incorporated a preliminary clinical evaluation of the approach on a subset of three people with amputations using a protocol for unsupervised, real-world monitoring. Four prescribing healthcare professionals provided insight into the perceived clinical significance of the outcomes.
The study’s authors concluded that the findings suggested potential benefits and support a move from primarily subjective clinical assessment toward more objective, data-driven activity classification; however the system should be viewed as a promising proof‑of‑concept rather than a definitive tool until further testing is completed.
The open-access study, “Lower limb prosthetic users’ activity classification through real-world inertial sensing,” was published in PLOS One.
