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Evaluating the Feasibility and Effects of Vibrotactile Plantar Pressure Feedback on Postural Balance in Individuals with Bilateral Lower Extremity Amputation : A Pilot Study Design
de Waal - Liklikuwata, Monique (2025) Evaluating the Feasibility and Effects of Vibrotactile Plantar Pressure Feedback on Postural Balance in Individuals with Bilateral Lower Extremity Amputation : A Pilot Study Design.
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| Abstract: | Individuals with bilateral lower extremity amputation face significant challenges in maintaining postural stability due to the absence of proprioceptive and plantar pressure feedback, leading to increased fall risk. While vibrotactile feedback systems have shown promise in improving gait, their impact on static postural balance remains unexplored. This pilot study investigated the feasibility and preliminary effects of the Suralis system, a commercially available solution providing gait-synchronized vibrotactile sensory feedback. Within this study, it served as a tool for both measuring postural balance and delivering plantar pressure feedback during four postural balance tasks to individuals with bilateral lower extremity amputation. To validate the Suralis system's measurement capabilities, we conducted analyses including pressure-force comparisons, pressure distribution heatmaps, and vibration motor activation analysis. A custom multiple linear regression (MLR) model was employed to estimate the centre of pressure (CoP) from Suralis sensor readings, validated against force plates (GRAIL system). The study design involved an ABAB introduction/withdrawal protocol across four standing tasks (eyes open, eyes closed, cognitive dual task, reach and target task) to assess the intervention's effect on centre of pressure speed (CoPs) and Margin of Stability (MoS). Our findings indicate that the Suralis system, in its current state, demonstrates limitations in delivering consistent vibrotactile feedback, with inconsistencies observed in vibration motor activation based on individual sensor thresholds. However, the system shows accurate measurement capabilities for postural balance. The MLR model estimates the CoP with a Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) below 10 mm. Due to participant discomfort leading to early study termination, the limited baseline data from a single participant did not allow for conclusive evaluation of the intervention's effects on postural balance. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | ET: Engineering Technology |
| Subject: | 44 medicine, 50 technical science in general, 52 mechanical engineering |
| Programme: | Biomedical Engineering MSc (66226) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/107268 |
| Export this item as: | BibTeX EndNote HTML Citation Reference Manager |
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