LimbTeq research presented at 2014 Military Health System Research Symposium

Barron Associates’ research efforts in the development of the LimbTeq system were presented by principal investigator Eileen Krepkovich in a presentation titled, “Monitoring Energy Expenditure in Amputees: A Prosthetic-Integrated Wearable Sensor System.” This talk was part of the Prosthetics & Rehabilitation breakout session at the Military Health System Research Symposium held on August 18 in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The presentation highlighted the research vision of the LimbTeq system, which is an accurate and convenient metabolic energy expenditure and physical activity monitor that is compatible with lower limb prostheses. The LimbTeq system collects these data through custom electronic sensors embedded within the prosthetic liner, and provides real-time user feedback via a wireless handheld touchscreen device. Such feedback offers potential for multiple applications, e.g.: (1) integration into adaptive-powered prostheses for custom adjustment based on user effort; (2) aiding the user in establishing daily activity goals; and (3) providing a means of metabolic and kinematic data sharing with healthcare personnel (e.g., for use in assessing both physical and mental health). The successful results of the recent usability study were also presented.