E-Socket, Diagnostic Monitoring

The long-term goal of this research is a socket-embedded prosthesis use and socket fit monitor (E-Socket) that facilitates clinical decision-making in the diagnosis and prognosis of health issues faced by people with transtibial amputation. The overall strategy is to enhance the E-socket to include additional metrics that we identified needed from studies to date (Aim #1). Then we conduct a randomized control trial testing the diagnostic utility of the E-socket data in clinical care (Aim #2). From the data collected in that study, we develop the prognostic capability of the system (Aim #3). Aim 3 will not involve human subject testing as it will focus on the development of the system in preparation for a future aim involving participants' own clinicians. Note: we use the term "diagnostic" throughout our application in a general sense. The device will not be diagnosing specific diseases or medical conditions.