Emerging Trends in Technology and Innovation in Lower Limb Prosthetic Devices
Abstract
This study explored the history, present status, and future trends in assistive technologies and innovations in lower limb prostheses. The number of individuals with lower limb disability continues to rise at an alarming rate, but their mobility needs have fallen short of being fully addressed or resolved with the current level of advancement in technology despite new products being introduced into the market. One of the goals of the World Health Organization’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is that people everywhere will be able to access affordable, quality health services and obtain assistive devices and products to improve their quality of life. This qualitative study used an historical approach to understand the evolution of assistive technologies and ascertain the current status of prostheses. Applying a qualitative trend analysis, I set out to examine research and development and technology innovations that may usher in a new era of assistive technologies and prostheses. This study explored how emerging trends in assistive technologies might address future needs associated with innovations in lower limb assistive products. This study also analyzed trends in patent filing and engaged various peer reviewed journals and articles to determine if there were any new trends in technology in lower limb prosthesis. The finding of the study revealed that most capabilities and improvements in lower limb prosthesis resulted from increased integration across various technology enablers such as bionic, myoelectric sensors, Artificial Intelligence (AI), data analytic tools, IoT and 4thindustrial revolution tools. The study concluded that advancement in lower limb prosthesis would depend broadly on key technology development in advanced manufacturing (3D/4D printing), advanced materials, and advancement in robotics. Three main overarching challenges in lower limb prosthesis advancement include scarcity and high shortage of trained and qualified technicians capable of repairing advanced prosthetic devices, high product cost, and service accessibility. This study concluded that individuals with lower limb loss or impairment should be put at the center of technology and innovation to account for and fully address their physiological and psychological needs before products are released into the market.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Padfield, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Design|Computer science|Disability studies|Information Technology|Marketing|Medicine|Surgery|Web Studies
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