Temperature measurement and control system for transtibial prostheses: Functional evaluation

Kamiar Ghoseiri, Yongping Zheng, Kam Lun Leung, Mehdi Rahgozar, Gholamreza Aminian, Tat Hing Lee, Mohammad Reza Safari

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

17 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The accumulation of heat inside the prosthetic socket increases skin temperature and fosters perspiration, which consequently leads to high tissue stress, friction blister, discomfort, unpleasant odor, and decreased prosthesis suspension and use. In the present study, the prototype of a temperature measurement and control (TM&C) system was designed, fabricated, and functionally evaluated in a phantom model of the transtibial prosthetic socket. The TM&C system was comprised of 12 thermistors divided equally into two groups that arranged internal and external to a prosthetic silicone liner. Its control system was programmed to select the required heating or cooling function of a thermal pump to provide thermal equilibrium based on the amount of temperature difference from a defined set temperature, or the amount of difference between the mean temperature recorded by inside and outside thermistors. A thin layer of aluminum was used for thermal conduction between the thermal pump and different sites around the silicone liner. The results showed functionality of the TM&C system for thermoregulation inside the prosthetic socket. However, enhancing the structure of this TM&C system, increasing its thermal power, and decreasing its weight and cost are main priorities before further development.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)16-23
Number of pages8
JournalAssistive Technology
Volume30
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2018

Keywords

  • heat
  • perspiration
  • prosthetic socket
  • residual limb
  • skin
  • thermoregulatory system
  • transtibial amputation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
  • Rehabilitation

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