Re:habilitate

Advancing prosthetic care

Every year, thousands of people in the UK have amputation surgery. Most of these patients are over 50, and their amputations are often due to diabetes or vascular disease. Prosthetic limbs help people to regain function but typically, these patients receive a very basic prosthesis, meaning that they have limited functionality. These types of prostheses can’t adapt to different walking surfaces like stairs and slopes, making it challenging to navigate everyday environments. This limitation can reduce the amount of daily activity a person undertakes with their prosthesis and can therefore reduce their overall mobility.

There are commercially available prosthetics that mimic the natural movements of the ankle and knee. However, these prosthetics are more expensive, so they’re not often prescribed. To address this, Dr Cleveland Barnett from NTU’s School of Science and Technology has conducted research into how people use prosthetics. This research has been supported by prosthetics manufacturer, Blatchford, since 2016. The research, also supported by NHS Trusts, has shown that hydraulic ankle devices significantly improve mobility in patients who are less active. These advanced prosthetics help users walk further, distribute limb loading more evenly, and improve their gait. The study confirmed that the mechanical functions of prosthetic devices play a crucial role in enhancing mobility.

Building on the success with advanced prosthetic ankles, further NTU research on advanced prosthetics for above-knee amputees was conducted. This research explored the benefits of combining hydraulic ankles with microprocessor-controlled knee devices. The combination was found to significantly improve mobility.

NTU’s research has influenced clinicians’ decision-making regarding prosthetic devices and altered their prescribing practices, allowing many more users of prosthetic devices access to more advanced technology. Numerous patients have since reported feeling more confident and experiencing less pain when using hydraulic prostheses compared to more rigid devices.

NTU's ground-breaking research has not only improved patient mobility and quality of life but has also influenced the prosthetics industry. As a global leader in prosthetics, Blatchford has used NTU’s findings to support is research, development, training and marketing activities, worldwide.

This ongoing work continues to transform lives, offering new hope and improved mobility for countless individuals with limb loss.

Dr Cleveland Barnett

Dr Barnett is currently an Associate Professor of Biomechanics in the Department of Sport Science. Research conducted by Dr Barnett has centred upon understanding the adaptations, control strategies and fundamental functioning of gait, balance and postural control. A particular focus at present is on lower limb amputation.

Find out more about Cleveland's research

Health and Innovation

Dr Barnett’s research aligns to NTU’s Health Innovation research theme.

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Sport, Health and Performance Enhancement (SHAPE)

The SHAPE Research Centre provides a structured and vibrant research environment in which to investigate the biological, physical, psychological and societal impact of sport and exercise for health, well-being and human performance across the lifespan.

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