Researchers conducted a study to test the performance of an adjustable socket for veterans with unilateral transtibial prostheses for use during military-relevant tasks.
For the study, investigational sockets with motor-driven adjustable panels were fabricated for each of the 11 participants. Sensors to detect liner-to-socket distance were embedded in the socket wall during fabrication, and collected data was used to calculate a socket-fit metric. Participants completed two military readiness assessments (Readiness Evaluation during simulated Dismounted Operations, and the Common Military Tasks) in each of three socket volume adjustment modes: static (nonadjustable), user-adjusted (using a phone app), and auto (adjusted by a controller). Researchers collected socket and participant performance and self-reported outcome metrics.
The researchers found that the socket-fit metric distribution was significantly lower for the auto mode compared with the user-adjusted and static modes. The socket volume was adjusted more often and underwent a greater range of adjustment for auto versus user-adjusted. The change in pre- and post-activity socket comfort score was not significantly different between modes.
The results highlight the errors in socket fit in static and user-adjusted sockets and demonstrate how an automatically adjusting socket can minimize error without impeding task performance, the study concluded.
The open-access study, “Testing an adjustable prosthetic socket in a simulated military environment,” was published in the Journal of Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies and Engineering.
