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Lower limb amputees
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Multiple sensors can be positioned inside the prosthetic socket
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Triaxial pressure and shear outputs are collected during daily ambulation
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Indicative of socket fit, component alignment, amputee gait, tissue viability, etc
References:
Assessing Socket Fit Effects on Pressure and Shear at a Transtibial Residuum/Socket Interface.
Applied Bionics and Biomechanics. Article ID: 3257059
Medical Engineering & Physics. 49: 131
Medical Engineering & Physics. 37(12): 161
Prosthetic hand wearers
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Attached to fingertip of a human or prosthetic hand
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Real-time gripping and slipping detection
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Sensory feedback for neuro-prosthetics
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Hand biomechanical analysis
References:
Prosthetics and Orthotics International, 42(1), 60
Interfacial pressure and shear sensor system for fingertip contact applications.
Healthcare Technology Letters. 3(4): 280
Wheelchair users
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Muscular skeletal rehabilitation studies
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Sports training and monitoring
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Upper limb dysfunction diagnostic for patients
Chest compression during CPR
Real-time feedback to multi-directional forces and displacement during CPR (*the rate observed in this video is for bench testing purpose only, which is slower than the clinical CPR rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.)
Wearable in-shoe sensing
NIHR201315 – LOad Monitoring and Intervention System to prevent diabetic foot ulceration*
Load Monitoring and Intervention system (LOMIS) is an instrumented insole system incorporating novel three directional force sensors to monitor real time pressure and shear forces under the foot and physical activity profiles over time.
Load Monitoring and Intervention system (LOMIS) is an instrumented insole system incorporating novel three directional force sensors to monitor real time pressure and shear forces under the foot and physical activity profiles over time. This allows real-time assessment of the 5 dimensions (5D) of load associated with DFU risk. These 5D personalised profiles are connected to an App and/or a wearable device that advises patients to change behaviour in a timely manner to minimise the risk of ulceration.
Excessive pressure (e.g. compression) and shear (e.g. rubbing) forces are the 3D forces exerted repetitively on vulnerable tissues under the foot during physical activities, which are known to cause DFUs. State-of-the-art systems only measure/manage compression pressure, whereas shear forces are critical in the cause of ulceration. Furthermore, the compression/shear loads generated by different activities of daily living e.g. walking, stair-climbing etc. (activity is a 4th-dimension to the DFU problem) are also important factors influencing DFU risk. Over weeks and months, time being the 5th dimension, plantar tissues can change physiological status and load tolerance e.g. due to deformity and conditioning.
LOMIS is first of its kind wearable prevention solution which measures and interpret all five-dimensions simultaneously (particularly direct measurement of the shear forces applied to the sole of the foot) and connect this with real world health behaviour strategies via a health behaviour App.
The LOMIS project was from 01/01/2021 to 31/10/2024 funded by the NIHR Invention for Innovation (i4i) programme. This project combines multidisciplinary expertise from the University of Southampton and University of Salford, supported by a Clinical Advisory Group, Public, Patient Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) panel to ensure a comprehensive user-centred design and development.
References:
A wearable insole system to measure plantar pressure and shear for people with diabetes
Sensors. 2023, 23:3126-3141
Evaluation of in-shoe plantar pressure and shear during walking for diabetic foot ulcer prevention
Journal of Wound Care. 2023, 32(9):587-596
What Patients Say about LOMIS?
“Why is LOMIS so important to me?
Diabetic foot ulceration affects not only your foot. The mental impact of ulceration can be very restrictive limiting or even stopping people doing the activities they once did and love for fear of ulceration and the potential for amputation if this ulcer progresses.
As someone who has experienced ulceration on several occasions LOMIS would give me a safety net or early warning system allowing me to partake in the activities I want to do without the mental stress of ‘is my foot ulcerating?’ ”
— Mr. Andy Lavender
“As a diabetic of over twenty years, good foot health is so incredibly important to me, it allows me to enjoy a full and active lifestyle. Having healthy skin, nails and wearing the right footwear enables me to take part in all the activities I enjoy, from running to playing tennis. Quite simple a good foot health regime for me helps prevents serious damage to nerves , blood flow and circulation leading to the extreme risk of an amputation.
LOMIS would help me to get into a good habit and I certainly want to continue to have a full and active lifestyle for many years to come.”
— Marcus
*The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care.