Article

A device using radio frequency identification (RFID) technology was developed to
continuously monitor sock use in people who use prosthetic limbs. RFID tags were
placed on prosthetic socks worn by subjects with transtibial limb loss, and a
high-frequency RFID reader and antenna were placed in a portable unit mounted to
the outside of the prosthetic socket. Bench testing showed the device to have a
maximum read range between 5.6 cm and 12.7 cm, depending on the RFID tag used.
Testing in a laboratory setting on three participants with transtibial amputation
showed that the device correctly monitored sock presence during sitting,
standing, and walking activity when one or two socks were worn but was less
reliable when more socks were used. Accurate detection was sensitive to
orientation of the tag relative to the reader, presence of carbon fiber in the
prosthetic socket, pistoning of the limb in the socket, and overlap among the
tags. Use of ultra-high-frequency RFID may overcome these limitations. With
improvements, the technology may prove useful to practitioners prescribing volume
accommodation strategies for patients by providing information about sock use
between clinical visits, including timing and consistency of daily sock-ply
changes.

Langue : ANGLAIS