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Completed

NCT Number: NCT03390153

Reduction of Shear Forces Using Semi-flexible Sockets on Transtibial Amputees

The purpose of this graduate student research study, is to test two different sockets for comfort and test what pressures are created by the socket during daily activities. The objective is to illustrate that semi-flexible sockets will maintain its rigidity and resist progressive shear forces from daily activity, ergo making our prosthetic system a more comfortable experience for the prosthetic user.

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Key information

Conditions

Amputation

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Loma Linda Universtiy

Loma Linda, California, 92350, United States

About this study

Subjects will immediately be prepared for a casting of their residual limb. On the second visit, subjects will return to be fitted with a definitive rigid carbon fiber socket. At this time, a questionnaire and physical assessments will determine subjects comfort and safety. The physical assessment consists of a ten minute walk on a treadmill, at a self-selected pace. A balancing test on a SMART Balance Master will also be used to assess subject safety, by utilizing the limits of stability protocol. Subjects' will be required to wear the prosthesis given to them for one week before returning for a follow-up appointment. On the third visit, the subjects' will return the first prosthesis to the investigators of the study, where an additional socket will be given to the subject for the second portion of this study. Subjects will be evaluated with a questionnaire and physical assessments to determine comfort and safety. Participants will be required to wear the prosthesis given to them for one week before returning for a follow-up appointment. During the final appointment, the subjects will return all devices given to them to an investigator of the study.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Transtibial amputee with mature limb
  • Minimum of 3-years of prosthetic use
  • Capable of ambulating on a treadmill for ten minutes
  • Minimum age of 18 years old
  • Both Unilateral and Bilateral Amputees
  • K-Level K2-K4

Exclusion criteria

  • Any open wounds/ulcerations on the residual limb
  • Skin allergies to silicone or latex
  • Unmanaged co-morbidities such a diabetes and congestive heart failure

Treatment and study plan

semi flexible socket

Other

The investigators will analyze the subject's gait by trained visual diagnosis and video gait analysis, to determine comfort and safety. Any modifications will be done at this time. Once the subjects, student, and faculty investigators are satisfied with the overall fit of prostheses, a student investigator will insert force sensors into the socket to evaluate pressure. In the 'Comfort Test', walk at a self-selected pace on a treadmill for 10 minutes. Subjects will then perform a single stance activity on a Balance Master. Investigators will remove the force sensors and do one final safety check of prostheses before each subject takes their definitive socket home. Subjects will be required to wear the prosthesis given to them for one week before returning for a follow up appointment.

rigid fiber socket

Other

The investigators will analyze the subject's gait by trained visual diagnosis and video gait analysis, to determine comfort and safety. Any modifications will be done at this time. Once the subjects, student, and faculty investigators are satisfied with the overall fit of prostheses, a student investigator will insert force sensors into the socket to evaluate pressure. In the 'Comfort Test', walk at a self-selected pace on a treadmill for 10 minutes. Subjects will then perform a single stance activity on a Balance Master. Investigators will remove the force sensors and do one final safety check of prostheses before each subject takes their definitive socket home. Subjects will be required to wear the prosthesis given to them for one week before returning for a follow up appointment.

Primary outcomes

  1. Balance

    Time frame: Change in balance between Week 2 and Week 3 of study

    The SMART Balance Master is a device used to measure balance. It consists of a plate with force sensors that can measure the subject's center of gravity as the subject shifts their position back and forth through the exercise. We will be exerting the subjects through the different phases of gait also known as a Limits of Stability test, one of the many pre-programed tests available to choose from.The SMART Balance Master is a widely used device in the rehabilitation world to test an individual's balance and ascertain their functional limits. It is a device that has great repeatability and is used to test individuals rehabilitation progress. It is also used extensively in research due to its high reproducibility. The SMART Balance Master is manufactured by Natus Medical Incorporated which is located in Pleasanton California.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Socket liner integrity

    Time frame: Change in socket liner between Week 2 and Week 3 of study

    The Socket Liner Integrity Checklist (SLIC) has been developed by one of our student investigators which has worked in the industry for 9 years. The SLIC will be used to evaluate the wear that the socket exerts on the liner. We hypothesize that semi-flexible sockets will reduce wear of the liner, and we will use the SLIC to evaluate. The semi-flexible socket will also need to be evaluated. A semi-flexible socket might be a more comfortable experience for the user but if it does not hold up to the rigours of daily activities wear and tear, it is not a better alternative. This checklist will focus on specific areas of that socket which are prone to failure to more easily catch any major flaws.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Loma Linda University

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2018
Primary completion
2018
Study completion
2018
First posted
Jan 4, 2018
Registry last updated
Sep 25, 2018

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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