Adaptive prosthetic ankles to improve user mobility, socket comfort and safety S&T52 | Nottingham Trent University Skip to content This website uses cookies to enhance your user experience. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Find out more here OK Study and Courses Life at NTU International About NTU Research at NTU Business and employers Alumni and Supporters Jobs Our Research and Impact Research Reimagined Research Degrees at NTU Access our Research Expertise Support for researchers at NTU News and events Home Research at NTU Find a PhD opportunity Adaptive prosthetic ankles to improve user mobility, socket comfort and safety S&T52 Adaptive prosthetic ankles to improve user mobility, socket comfort and safety S&T52 School: School of Science and Technology Study mode(s): Full-time / Part-time Starting: 2022 Funding: UK student / EU student (non-UK) / International student (non-EU) / Fully-funded Apply now Staff profiles Entry qualifications How to apply Fees and funding Guidance and support Overview NTU's Fully-funded PhD Studentship Scheme 2022 Limb loss is a life-changing event. A person with limb loss will face many physical, psychological and social challenges. Unfortunately, the number of people with limb loss worldwide is increasing. For example, the 1.6 million people with limb loss in the US in 2008, was predicted to double by 2050. In the UK, new referrals to prosthetics centres stand at around 6,000 annually, with many of these people being older (over 50) with other health comorbidities. The prescription of a prosthetic limb is a key factor in a person’s long-term health outlook. The ability to use a prosthetic limb enables personal mobility, social engagement and physical activity, among other benefits. However, not all prosthetic limbs are made equal. Research has repeatedly shown that more advanced prosthetic ankle and knee devices, as well as more comfortable sockets, result in better mobility and health outcomes for the user. Prostheses that have the functionality to allow the users to perform the task they want to do, whilst also being comfortable to wear, are key in improving that person’s mobility, satisfaction and safety. The current project will explore two aspects of prosthetic limb design. These are the functional characteristics of the ankle device and the attachment method of the prosthetic limb to the user. In terms of ankle device function, our research team has shown that hydraulically articulating ankle devices are superior to the more common but less functional rigid designs. This is the case in both controlled lab conditions and also in free-living environments. However, it is not clear whether adjusting the characteristics of ankle function may also enable prosthesis users to complete an increased number of and/or more challenging tasks. In addition, it is not clear how adjusting these adaptive ankle designs might affect the energy cost and/or safety e.g. trip risk, when performing everyday tasks. In terms of limb attachment to the prosthesis user, elevated vacuum suspensions have been shown to stabilise residual limb volume and reduce pressure. However, it is not clear if and how the advanced ankle functionality interacts with vacuum suspension, to improve mobility, socket comfort and safety for the user. Addressing this issue will be the central focus of the project. The outcomes of this project have the potential to inform prosthetic limb design and prescription, as well as improving the lives of people with limb loss. School strategic research priority The proposed project aligns with the previous and ongoing research activity within the Sport, Health and Performance Enhancement (SHAPE) Research Centre and the Medical Technologies and Advanced Materials theme. Staff profiles Maria Bisele Cleveland Barnett Philip Breedon Entry qualifications For the eligibility criteria, visit our studentship application page. How to apply For guidance and to make an application, please visit our studentship application page. The application deadline is Friday 7 January 2022. Fees and funding This is part of NTU's 2022 fully-funded PhD Studentship Scheme. Guidance and support Download our full applicant guidance notes for more information. Share this page Still need help? +44 (0)115 941 8418 Also in Find a PhD opportunity Get in touch +44 (0)115 941 8418 Lines are open: Monday – Thursday 8.30 am – 5 pm Friday 8.30 am – 4.30 pm hello@ntu.ac.uk Find a person or service Campus information Nottingham Trent University 50 Shakespeare Street Nottingham NG1 4FQ NTU campuses Campus access guides Visit us Useful links Academic Schools Jobs MyHub Curated and Created Current students StudentHub Library NOW Connect with us Connect through Facebook Connect through Twitter Connect through YouTube Connect through Instagram Connect through TikTok Connect through LinkedIn Download or order a prospectus About our website Accessibility Freedom of information GDPR Student Terms and Conditions Website Cookies and Privacy Policy © Nottingham Trent University.
