This leg prosthesis allows an amputee to find sensations

Thanks to sensory gain, this leg prosthesis facilitates walking and reduces phantom pain.

Prostheses capable of rendering the sense of touch have been around for a few years. However, research has so far focused on the hands. Scientists at ETH University in Zurich have therefore developed a solution that allows a person who has lost his leg to recover from it.

A classic leg prosthesis at the base

To design the object, the scientists modified a commercially available leg prosthesis. The selected model is of the Össur brand and is normally delivered with a microprocessor as well as a sensor of angle in the knee joint. Then the researchers added to the bottom of the device a sole with 7 sensors different.

For its part, a small box hung on the ankle collects all the data by Bluetooth. In the form of nerve impulses, it retransmits them thereafter to the thigh nerve via a electrode smart health connected to it. The brain only has to interpret these signals as coming from the leg. Note that people chosen as guinea pigs have undergone amputations above the knee.

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Rediscover the sensations of a leg …

If only two patients were able to Review the invention, the first results are promising. Thus, the prosthetic leg would help the wearer to walk faster and to consume less oxygen (an indicator that proves that he is making less effort to get around). Even better, patients have regained some of their self-confidence.

The researchers also tried to activate the electrode placed in the thigh to eliminate ghost pain. The experiment turned out to be a success since the two testers reported a reduction of the phenomenon after a few minutes of stimulation.

Over time, scientists hope to find solutions to make this leg prosthesis accessible to as many amputees as possible.

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