Use of Subtle Vibration to Improve Walking Ability by Lower Limb Amputees
| Status: | Completed |
|---|---|
| Healthy: | No |
| Age Range: | 18 - 70 |
| Updated: | 7/1/2018 |
| Start Date: | April 1, 2007 |
| End Date: | June 25, 2018 |
Mechanically-induced Stochastic Resonance to Improve Amputee Gait
The purpose of this study is to determine if subthreshold vibration, when applied to the
residual limb of a lower limb amputee through their prosthetic socket, can sufficiently
enhance peripheral sensation to result in an improved ability to balance and walk.
residual limb of a lower limb amputee through their prosthetic socket, can sufficiently
enhance peripheral sensation to result in an improved ability to balance and walk.
One of the many complications of diabetes is the loss of sensation in the feet. This sensory
deficit can negatively impact the postural stability and mobility of non-amputees, since
without feedback, it is simply more difficult to stand and walk. For lower limb amputees, the
problem is compounded. These patients often have difficulty with prosthetic limb placement
during maneuvering tasks, exhibit dramatic increases in the movement of their center of
pressure during quiet standing, and both clinical and observational gait analysis reveal
significant changes in their gait pattern relative to non-amputees.
The investigators' work proposes to explore the use of a novel prosthetic intervention for
diabetic lower limb amputees. The investigators hypothesize that the intervention will
sufficiently enhance proprioception to result in measurably improved postural stability and
locomotor function for these patients. The intervention is based on a phenomenon known as
stochastic resonance, whereby the application of sub-threshold vibration enables
mechano-receptors previously unable to respond to stimuli to become more susceptible to
depolarization. For Veterans with neuropathic proprioceptive losses, stochastic resonance may
facilitate a functional response from subtle stimuli where gross inputs were formerly
required.
deficit can negatively impact the postural stability and mobility of non-amputees, since
without feedback, it is simply more difficult to stand and walk. For lower limb amputees, the
problem is compounded. These patients often have difficulty with prosthetic limb placement
during maneuvering tasks, exhibit dramatic increases in the movement of their center of
pressure during quiet standing, and both clinical and observational gait analysis reveal
significant changes in their gait pattern relative to non-amputees.
The investigators' work proposes to explore the use of a novel prosthetic intervention for
diabetic lower limb amputees. The investigators hypothesize that the intervention will
sufficiently enhance proprioception to result in measurably improved postural stability and
locomotor function for these patients. The intervention is based on a phenomenon known as
stochastic resonance, whereby the application of sub-threshold vibration enables
mechano-receptors previously unable to respond to stimuli to become more susceptible to
depolarization. For Veterans with neuropathic proprioceptive losses, stochastic resonance may
facilitate a functional response from subtle stimuli where gross inputs were formerly
required.
Inclusion Criteria:
Amputee subjects:
- unilateral transtibial amputee of diabetic etiology,
- have been fit with a prosthesis and have used a prosthesis for at least one year,
- wear the prosthesis at least 4 hours per day,
- ambulate without upper extremity aids,
- have no history of injurious falls within the previous six months, and
- touch sensation measured by a 10 gauge Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament in the dermatomes
of their residual limb.
Exclusion Criteria:
Subjects will be excluded if:
- they have a significant lower extremity pain condition, musculoskeletal disorder, or
neurological deficit that interferes with their ability to pursue typical daily
activities or alters their gait characteristics,
- their residual limb is ulcerated, or
- are currently using anticonvulsant medications for the treatment of neuropathic pain.
We found this trial at
1
site
Seattle, Washington 98108
Principal Investigator: Glenn K Klute, PhD
Phone: 206-764-2028
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