2018 Poster Presentations


Poster Session
Thursday, September 27, 2018
4:00 – 5:00 PM


A Comparison of Prosthetic Mobility in Transfemoral Amputees with Osseointegrated Prosthesis Versus Traditional Socket Prosthesis
Robert Gailey, PhD
Anat Kristal, MSc-PT
Review a comparison of two groups of unilateral transfemoral amputees, one group with osseointegrated prostheses versus a matched group with traditional socket prostheses; and determine if differences exist in prosthetic mobility using both performance-based and self-report outcome measures.

A Comparison of Transfemoral Interface Design: Effects on Gait Propulsion
Randall Alley, BSc, CP
Review a comparison of the effects on propulsion of the IRC socket (SOC) with a potentially more energetically efficient interface design (HiFi). A net braking force was measured in the SOC socket, while a net propulsive force was measured using the HiFi.

Adjustable Liners and Sockets for Prosthetic Devices
Lenore Rasmussen, PhD
Simone Rodriguez
Ras Labs’ Synthetic Muscle™ promises to allow amputees to continue their active lives without needing to adjust the fitting of their prosthetic device(s) throughout the day.  Synthetic Muscle™, comprising electroactive polymers (EAPs), actively expand or contract at low voltages, while offering impact resistance and pressure sensing, all in one integrated solution.  Determine the feasibility of the EAP pads being incorporated into prosthetic liners or sockets and review the creation of prototypes of these EAP based pads.

An Immediate Fit and Adjustable Transtibial Prosthetic System; A Prospective Feasibility and Efficacy Study
Joshua Mullins
Assess the feasibility and utility of a novel immediate fit modular prosthetic system (IFIT Prosthetics, LLC™ prosthesis) for transtibial amputees. Review the findings and implications of this new device.

Analysis of Bilateral Trans-Femoral Amputee Gait using Three Different Shorty Feet
Todd Sleeman, CP
Bilateral trans-femoral amputees often utilize shorty feet not just for initial rehabilitation, but for activities where they feel safer or more comfortable not utilizing knee joints.  Potentially detrimental compensatory motions are possible.  This poster looks at kinematic and dynamic data comparing three different foot conditions.

Assessment Criteria for PTB Impressions – An International Delphi Study
John Brinkmann, MA, CPO/L, FAAOP(D)
Learn assessment criteria for the patellar tendon bearing (PTB) socket impression using a Delphi consensus process. Review a format for future consensus processes related to assessment of clinical tasks in prosthetic and orthotic education.

Assistive Technologies for Pain Management in Amputees: A Review
Kamiar Ghoseiri, PhD
Residual limb pain and phantom limb pain are common complaints of people with amputation. There are few available assistive devices/technologies to relieve residual limb pain and phantom limb pain. More attention to resolve post amputation pain is required from researchers, clinicians, designers, engineers and manufacturers.

Biomechanical Analysis of Different Prosthetic Technologies for Trans-femoral Amputees during Slope Descent
Nadine Stech, PhD
Review the biomechanical differences for  trans-femoral amputees and how they affect gait when different knee and ‘ankle’ prosthetic technologies are used during slope descent.

Biomechanical Improvements of the Genium Prosthetic Knee and Their Clinical Validation
Philipp Kampas
Review the functional changes introduced with the next generation of the Genium Prosthetic Knee and its effect on clinical outcomes observed during the validation within a multicenter clinical trial.

Changes in Postural Steadiness Following Trans-Tibial Amputation
Hamid Bateni, PhD
Assessment of postural steadiness in both time and frequency domain can reveal a new aspect in assessment of balance and postural control among amputees and can lead to more effective training exercises as well as optimizing prosthetic component designs to reduce accidental falls among this population.

Committed Participation in a Wellness-Walking Program for People with Lower Limb Loss: Associated Factors and Potential Benefits
Williams Gibbs, CP
Christopher Wong, PT, PhD
Review new findings regarding which characteristics of people with limb loss are most likely to identify future committed participants in a wellness walking program. Having adequate physical ability and an intrinsic motivation to attend appear to be important and may help people with limb loss develop prosthetic function in the future.

Comorbidities and Mobility in Lower Limb Prosthesis Users
Shane Wurdeman, PhD, CP
Learn the role of comorbidities in predicting mobility for lower limb prosthesis users in a population of 596 individuals. Results lead to the conclusion that comorbidities do not preclude functional mobility with a prosthesis.

Dynamic Balance Performance-Based Measures among Adults with a Unilateral Lower-Limb Amputation: A Test-Retest Reliability Study
Jefferson Cardoso, PT, PhD, MHPE
Results will be presented that provide a reliable dynamic balance test for community-ambulating adults with a unilateral lower-limb amputation as well as values to identify changes in status with respect to prosthetic modifications or therapeutic interventions.

Effect of Level of Amputation on Postural Steadiness Among Lower Extremity Amputees
Hamid Bateni, PhD
Review a study of postural steadiness of amputees with different levels of amputation.  Postural sway is quantified and time and frequency domain variables are computed and compared for different levels of amputation. This comparison will reveal impact of level of amputation on both postural steadiness (use of time series) and underlying strategies of control (frequency domain variables).

Electromyography Signals in Narrow AP and Wide AP Transtibial Sockets
Brent Wright, CP BOC/O
Review data that may refine transtibial socket design and is sure to be a game changer in the coming years.

Examining Use of Lower Limb Prostheses in Older Adults with Amputations following Inpatient Prosthetic Training
Brittany Pousett, CP(C), MSc
Significant resources are dedicated to provide training for individuals with lower extremity amputations, but little information is known about how older adults with amputations use their prostheses upon discharge from inpatient rehab programs.  StepWatch Activity Monitors, the Prosthetic Profile of the Amputee questionnaire and semi-structured interviews were used to explore how older adults used their prostheses after being discharged from rehab.  Review different use patterns that emerged and and how this information will shape prosthetic rehab programs.

Gait Characteristics in Transtibial Amputees Ambulating with a Microprocessor-Controlled Hydraulic Prosthetic Ankle
Yael Dotan Marom, MSc-PT
Itzhak Siev-Ner, MD
The effect of microprocessor controlled hydraulic foot on gait parameters of amputees will be reviewed and benefits will be reported.

How Does Socket Motion Impact Limb Health? A Preliminary Report
Matthew Wernke, PhD
It is generally believed that motion of the limb within the socket should be eliminated, however there is little understanding as to the effects of motion on limb health.  This poster will review the impact of motion on the health of the residual limb using quantitative outcomes.

How Does Infill Percentage Affect the Ultimate Strength of A 3D Printed Transtibial Socket
Adriel Lau, Orthotic Resident
Leah Campbell, Prosthetic Resident
Review a study where a fused deposition modeling method printer was used to print a total of nine transtibial sockets (three sockets at 30% infill, three sockets at 40% infill, and three sockets at 50%) using polylactic acid (PLA). The ultimate strength of the sockets were tested as per ISO 10328 standards at initial contact of the gait cycle.

How Reproducible are the Effects of a Microprocessor Foot?
Michael McGrath, PhD
Microprocessor-control of hydraulic ankle-feet (MPF) has previously been shown to provide benefits during slope descent. This poster demonstrates that the same biomechanical changes are reproducible in repeated gait analysis sessions over time.

Improved Results Seen from an Integrated Microprocessor Knee-Ankle Prosthesis
Oren Barzel, MD
Yael Dotan Marom, MSc-PT
Review one of the first studies that describe fitting, training and utilizing measurements from the prosthesis software directed for developing the patient’s rehabilitation plan.

Inhibiting Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Growth Associated with Prosthetic Liners
John Jarrell, PhD, PE
Evaluate a titanium and silicone hybrid cleaning and coating technology containing a silver fatty acid complex against the odor producing, Gram-negative, facultative anaerobe, Pseudomonas aeruginosa using a Kirby Bauer test. Paradoxically, uncoated hybrid gel liner materials with residual lubricants acted as chemo-attractants and increased bacterial growth.

Observations on the Biomechanical Impact of a Hydraulic Ankle-Foot Prosthesis in Transfemoral Amputee Gait: A Single Case Study
Sarah Chang, PhD
The latest trend among major prosthetic manufacturers is the introduction of hydraulically damped ankle systems. Previous studies have shown improvements in gait when using damped prosthetic ankle joints. This poster will investigate the biomechanical effects of a hydraulic ankle-foot prosthesis during gait in an individual with a transfemoral amputation.

Patient Trial Evaluation of a Perforated, Pin-Lock Prosthetic Liner for Sweat Management
Ana Gallego
Excessive sweating at the residual limb is a common problem for amputees. Review the findings of a patient trial of a new, perforated, pin-lock prosthetic liner, engineered for improving sweat management.

Performance Testing in People with Lower Limb Amputation: Interviews with Prosthetists, Physical Therapists, and Physicians
Geoffrey Balkman, L/CPO, MSPO
A variety of performance-based tests are available to assess mobility in people with lower limb amputation. Selection of a specific test is likely to be guided by the space and equipment available, the time required to set up and administer a test, and/or the clinical value of the test. Review semi-structured interviews which were conducted with prosthetists, physical therapists, and physicians to collect information about space, equipment, and time availability, and clinical value of performance tests.

Postoperative Trans-Tibial Rigid Dressings and Their Effects on Recovery Duration: Conventional Plaster of Paris Versus Össur Rigid Dressing
Andrew Nelson, Orthotic Prosthetic Resident
Following trans-tibial amputation, postoperative dressings are applied to the residual limb to protect the surgical incision and promote healing to the surrounding area.  Review if there are significant differences in recovery time to initial prosthetic casting or associated healthcare dollars based on the type of postoperative rigid dressing applied to the trans-tibial residual limb. Improving postoperative management strategies and standardizing trans-tibial postoperative care may reduce recovery duration and health care dollars associated with amputation.

Prosthetic Socket Material Analysis and Clinical Outcomes
Garrett Hurley, CPO
Material properties of two dynamic modular sockets and four standard of care, conventionally laminated sockets (vacuum-formed flexible inner liner with carbon fiber and thermoset acrylic resin composite frame) were measured using an Instron compression machine. Separately, 177 amputees volunteered to participate in outcome measures (Hanspal Socket Comfort Scores and functional outcome measures) for the same types of prosthetic sockets that were measured in the material analysis; dynamic modular sockets and conventionally laminated sockets.  Review the results which suggest that prosthetists should closely consider the amount of rigidity needed for their patients and that conventionally laminated sockets may be excessively rigid.

Proximal Mass Knee for Short-Stump Transfemoral Amputees: Theory and Practice
Jacob Boender, MEng, BSc(Hon) O&P
TF amputees with short stump benefit from the VGK-S with proximal centre of mass and state of the art fluidic control of swing and stance. The resulting, ultra low inertia, testifiable, and predictable by calculation, improves socket comfort, and increases compliance endurance.

Restoring Voluntary Postural Control in Transtibial Amputees Using Residual Ankle Muscles for Direct Continuous Myoelectric Control of Sagittal‑Plane Prosthetic Ankle Mechanics: A Case Study
Stephanie Huang, PhD
Analyze a case study of one representative transtibial amputee learning to use their residual muscles for direct control over powered ankle behavior using continuous proportional myoelectric control for voluntary postural control.

The Effect of Material Choice and Process Parameters on the Mechanical Strength of 3D-Printed Transtibial Prosthetic
Shadi Sabeti, MSc
This poster presents the results from a pilot study in which seven 3D printed sockets using a range of materials and printing methods were tested for static strength using ISO 10328. Initial results show that some materials and print methods met the standard and others did not.

Transtibial Amputee Gait with the Pro-Flex Foot During Level, Decline, and Incline Walking
Matthew Tomkin
The Össur Pro-Flex is an energy storing and returning prosthetic foot designed for transtibial and transfemoral amputees. Evaluate the biomechanical performance of the Pro-Flex foot during transtibial amputee gait and compare outcomes with gait data from the Össur Pro-Flex XC foot.

Utility of Virtual Reality Headsets to Mitigate Reactivity Effects in Lower Limb Prosthetic Gait Assessment
Goeran Fiedler, PhD
Lance Valentine
The Hawthorne effect causes human behavior to change when under observation. Such an effect has been proven to apply to gait variation of persons with lower limb prosthetic devices.  Investigate whether the implementation of a virtual reality headset could mitigate the Hawthorne Effect during a clinical evaluation.


Poster Session
Friday, September 28, 2018
4:00 – 5:00 PM


Encouraging Problem-Solving in Online Education for Healthcare Students
Cara Negri, CP, FAAOP
The apprenticeship model of educating clinicians is fading away. How can our profession learn from others to implement online learning that encourages problem-solving in students, residents, and young practitioners?  Online learning can be used in facilities, and business owners should consider the value of creating online learning.

Identifying Factors that May Enhance Success When Using Central Fabrication in Orthotic and Prosthetic Clinical Practice
Ramen Landon, MPO, CP, CTPO
Outsourcing orthotic and prosthetic devices to a central fabrication facility can present new challenges for practitioners that may be thinking of transitioning or utilizing this business model. Through a literature review and from subject matter expert interviewed, several factors will be identified as keys to successful outcomes utilizing the central fabrication model in orthotic and prosthetic clinical practice.

Implementation of the AMP as a Gold Standard in the Clinical Rehabilitation of Amputees in Israel
Yael Dotam Marom, MSc-PT
Ayala Parag, MPA
Review the translation process of the AMP to Hebrew and its validation.

Investigating Barriers and Facilitators to Interprofessional Collaboration between Engineers, Prosthetists, and Orthotists
Samuel Spencer
Rachel Rudolf
Recent advancements in prosthetic and orthotic (P&O) technology have produced novel collaborative opportunities for clinicians and engineers. While collaboration in other healthcare fields has demonstrated many benefits, collaboration within P&O technologies has not been studied. Explore the collaborative process between clinicians and engineers in P&O technological development.

Japanese Translation of the Prosthetic Limb Users Survey of Mobility (PLUS-M)
Geoffrey Balkman
Soshi Samejima
The Prosthetic Limb Users Survey of Mobility (PLUS-M) is a self-report item bank developed to evaluate lower limb prosthetic mobility. Review a translation of the PLUS-M to Japanese using recommended guidelines in order to maintain the meaning and applicability of items across both languages.

New Users in A Digital Workflow: 3D Printing in the Prosthetics Industry
David Seibt, PhD
Professionals in the prosthetics industry are currently faced with a myriad of complexities brought on by the digital transformation of their field. The sociological model outlined in this poster can help practitioners to understand the dynamics of technological change and pinpoint areas for possible intervention. In particular, assess how 3D printing impacts the relationship between practitioners and users during the design, production, distribution and use of prosthetic devices.

Online Access to Research Papers – Changes Over Time
Julie Burke, MSPO
Goeran Fiedler, PhD
Explore the importance of easy access to full text research papers for the successful implementation of Evidence Based Practice in P&O.  Investigate trends in the availability of such papers throughout the internet.

Research Productivity Trends in Prosthetics and Orthotics in Canada
Hossein Gholizadeh
Arezoo Eshraghi
Preview trends in prosthetics and orthotics research in Canada and internationally.

Use and Application of Additive Manufacturing in O&P Curriculum
Mark Muller, CPO, FAAOP, MS
Review current curriculum and suggestions for future curriculum development for practitioner and technical education institutions in the area of additive manufacturing such as 3D printing, selective laser sintering, and CAD design.

Long-Term Patient Satisfaction Survey of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Patients Fit with The Boston Brace System Scoliosis Orthosis
Lauren Houle, DPT, Orthotic Prosthetic Resident
Review a multi-center long term follow up study of adult patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis treated with the Boston Brace.

The Effect of Lateral Wedge Insole on Gait Initiation in Early Knee Osteoarthritis
Elham Esfandiari
Evaluate the effect of lateral wedge insole on gait initiation in early knee osteoarthritis.

The Effectiveness of Orthotics in Reducing the Hallux Valgus Angle for Patients with Mild and Moderate Hallux Valgus Over a Twelve Month Period of Treatment
Guoli Li
Preview the effectiveness of orthotics in reducing the hallux valgus angle over a 12 month period of treatment for patients with mild and moderate hallux valgus.

The Promis Global Health Score Shows Differences in Known Groups of Lower Limb Orthosis Users
Eric Weber, LCPO, FAAOP
Assess the known groups construct validity of the PROMIS (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System) Global Physical Health score for measuring health outcomes in individuals who are prescribed lower limb orthoses.

Categories of Foot Failure
Ian Engelman, MS, CPO
Due to new 3D rendering technology, a transformational shift of language is needed to match the trending overhaul of foot pathology analysis.  By finding causality due to ligamentous failure, a new descriptive language and categories can make communication of foot pathology between practitioners more accurate.

Disruptive Change Resulting Through Digital Transformation in the Orthotics Space
Frank Boemers
Learn how digitalization of orthotic products and services will allow more individualized products which will create new business opportunities.

Functional Utility of Wearing a Myoelectric Orthosis for Upper Extremity Paralysis Due to Spinal Cord Injury
Lauren Wengerd, MS, OTR/L
This poster demonstrates the functional utility of a myoelectric orthosis for SCI populations.

Performance, Patient Benefits and Acceptance of a New Generation of Microprocessor-Controlled Stance and Swing Control Orthosis
Milana Mileusnic, PhD
Patients suffering from lower limb paresis benefit from C-Brace, a stance and swing control orthosis (SSCO), compared to conventional KAFOs.  Performance and patient benefits from next generation of C-Brace will be assessed with gait analysis and questionnaires.

Progressive Brace-Reduction in the Rehab of Patient with Paraplegia
Vikram Choudhary, CP, BOCO
Sagar Shetty, BOCPO
Evaluate the timeline of progression of one patient with paraplegia secondary to a gunshot injury and the bracing alterations adopted during the rehabilitation process.  Patient is a 25 year old male with spinal paraplegia secondary to gunshot wound in the back in February 2015. Bracing initiated in August of 2015.

Quantification and Parameters of Flat Foot
Ian Engelman, MS, CPO
3D rendering has changed everything we thought we knew about flat foot.  Learn about the power of new types of automated metrics that are repeatable and practical will be presented.

“I am the Boy With One Hand Who Can Do Anything”: Perceptions of Ability among People with Upper Limb Absence
Cody McDonald, PhC, MPH, CPO
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with fourteen individuals with upper limb absence who had experience wearing conventional and 3D printed prostheses.  Gain insight into novel platforms for professional practice, supportive communities, and technology innovation.

Biofeedback Training for Pattern Recognition Results in Better Prosthetic Control
Sebastian Amsuess, PhD
Novel pattern recognition users for upper limb prostheses require training to re-activate their muscles and proprioception to leverage the advantages of this control method.  Review the method and evaluation in >1 month home use with amputees.

Case Study on Alternative Site Electrode Placement for Activation of Myoelectric Elbow Wrist Hand Orthosis
David Coleman, CPO, FAAOP
Review a case study report on the viability of using alternative electrode sites on a myoelectric elbow wrist hand orthosis to restore elbow function.  Investigate the value alternative electrode site activation offers the client and its viability as a elbow dysfunction management technique in the future.

Comparison of Direct Control Versus Morph for Myoelectric Multi-Articulated Hands with Abstract Object Manipulation: A Pilot Study
Megan Hodgson
Tiffany Ryan, OTR, MOT
Many multi-articulated hands are on the market today and require various control strategies to switch between grip patterns. The addition of the morph device has the potential to improve consistency of control and reduce the physical burden of controlling the prosthesis with EMG.

Do Multi-Grip Hands Increase Function and Patient Satisfaction when Compared to Traditional Myoelectric Hands?
Andreas Hahn, PhD, MSc
The Strategic Consortium for Upper Limb Prosthetic Technologies (SCULPT) aims to assess the potential benefits MGH with respect to function and patient satisfaction compared to TH systems. One of the largest surveys on exo-prosthetic myoelectric hand prosthetics allows insight on the relevant differences between single and multi-grip devices.

Ease of Activities of Daily Living with Multigrip Myoelectic Hands
Russell Lundstrom, MS
A recent study reported that with a multi-grip, myoelectric hand (Michelangelo), many ADLs were perceived to be easier to perform compared to a conventional myoelectric hand. This poster will present results using the same questionnaires with i-limb and bebionic users along with differences in scores highlighting strengths and weaknesses of the different multi-grip hands that may give clinicians insight into how to match the right hand with the right patient.

Factor Analysis of Upper Limb Prosthetic Acceptance from Retrospective Prosthetic Clinician Survey
Gerald Stark, PhD, MSEM, CPO/L, FAAOP (D)
Review the results of a survey examinging 209 retrospectives of 75 respondents to determine if there were any traits that had significant relationships with acceptance levels.

How do Patients Make Decisions about Prosthetics? Adding the Patient Voice to FDA Approvals
Leslie Wilson, PhD
Determine how individuals with upper limb loss weigh the risks and benefits of choices for osseointegration and myoelectric control by examining choice measure which can discern the strength and trade-offs made and can guide prosthetic practice decisions and be used to help the FDA make device approval decisions.

Initial Clinical Evidence of the Benefits of the Myoliner
Matthew Wernke, PhD
This poster provides early clinical evidence of the myoliner for use with myoelectric upper extremity prostheses.  Investigate subjective and objective outcomes.

Modular Principle to Produce Active Prosthetic Hand
Anton Kruglov, CPO
Learn about the results of equipping a patient with developed active prosthetic hand show its high functionality due to feedback of location and force with reflection of force directly to the managing organ.

Older Individuals with Congenital Upper Limb Difference and Secondary Conditions:  Report of the Needs Assessment and Program Development
Debra Latour, OTD (c), MEd, OTR/L,
Individuals with upper limb loss/difference often require specialized services that may be difficult to access. In addition, these individuals are likely to experience secondary conditions that include pain, overuse and perceptions of isolation, and social stigma. A needs assessment specifically focused on the challenges experienced by this population offers insight into program needs that will improve access and interventions to overcome these obstacles. The program proposal is based upon the expressed needs as vocalized by the target population and offers a pathway to inform the clients of secondary conditions with strategies toward prevention and access to peer interaction. This needs assessment and program includes relevant information for intervention that engages peer support and addresses psycho-social and physical secondary conditions.

Pre-Clinical Testing of Myoelectric Implant for Advanced Control of Upper Limb Prostheses
Scott Hiatt
Andrew Wilder, PhD
Ripple has recently completed several major milestones in pre-clinical testing of the 32-channel myoelectric implant in preparation of IDE submission to FDA for first-in-man trials.

Use of Prosthesis Simulator to Create Body-Powered Prosthosis for Functional Needs
Cassandra Delgado, MSPO, CO
Debra Latour, OTD (c), MEd, OTR/L,
This reflective case study discusses two males with upper limb functional loss, who were not deemed optimal candidates for external powered orthotic intervention. The use of a body-powered prosthetic simulator helped design a body-powered prosthesis. By using a collaborative inter-professional team approach with unique design ideas, a solution to improve quality of life was developed for these individuals.

User Experiences with Traditional and 3D-printed Upper Extremity Prostheses, Development of a Comprehensive Survey Instrument
Goeran Fiedler, PhD
Jennifer Mankoff, PhD
Outcome data for 3D-printed devices for upper limb loss is currently lacking. Review the discription of the development and testing of a comprehensive survey tool to allow the comparison of outcomes across device classes.