Human-Prosthetic Interaction

• Published in: PloS one Vol. 19; no. 3; p. e0299869
• Main Authors: Lathouwers, Elke, Tassignon, Bruno, Maricot, Alexandre, Radwan, Ahmed, Naeyaert, Maarten, Raeymaekers, Hubert, Van Schuerbeek, Peter, Sunaert, Stefan, De Mey, Johan, De Pauw, Kevin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Public Library of Science 21.03.2024
• Subjects: Amputations of leg; Analysis; Brain; Complications and side effects; Implants, Artificial; Medical research; Medicine, Experimental; Patient outcomes; Prosthesis; Belgium
• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299869
• ISSN: 1932-6203

Lower limb amputation contributes to structural and functional brain alterations, adversely affecting gait, balance, and overall quality of life. Therefore, selecting an appropriate prosthetic ankle is critical in enhancing the well-being of these individuals. Despite the availability of various prostheses, their impact on brain neuroplasticity remains poorly understood. The primary objective is to examine differences in the degree of brain neuroplasticity using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) between individuals wearing a new passive ankle prosthesis with an articulated ankle joint and a standard passive prosthesis, and to examine changes in brain neuroplasticity within these two prosthetic groups. The second objective is to investigate the influence of prosthetic type on walking performance and quality of life. The final objective is to determine whether the type of prosthesis induces differences in the walking movement pattern. This study aims to unravel the differences in brain neuroplasticity and prosthesis type in patients with a unilateral transtibial amputation and provide insights into the therapeutic benefits of prosthetic devices. The findings could validate the therapeutic benefits of more advanced lower limb prostheses, potentially leading to a societal impact ultimately improving the quality of life for individuals with lower limb amputation.