1. This article and any supplementary material should be cited as follows: Tang KT, Spence WD, Maxwell D, Stansfield BW. Validity of method to quantify transtibial amputees’ free-living prosthetic wearing times and physical activity levels when using suction suspension sockets. J Rehabil Res Dev. 2012;49(3):427–38. http://dx.doi.org/10.1682/JRRD.2010.12.0241 Slideshow Project DOI:10.1682/JRRD.2010.12.0241JSP Validity of method to quantify transtibial amputees’ free-living prosthetic wearing times and physical activity levels when using suction suspension sockets Kit Tzu Tang, EngD; William D. Spence; Douglas Maxwell; Benedict Williams Stansfield, PhD

2. This article and any supplementary material should be cited as follows: Tang KT, Spence WD, Maxwell D, Stansfield BW. Validity of method to quantify transtibial amputees’ free-living prosthetic wearing times and physical activity levels when using suction suspension sockets. J Rehabil Res Dev. 2012;49(3):427–38. http://dx.doi.org/10.1682/JRRD.2010.12.0241 Slideshow Project DOI:10.1682/JRRD.2010.12.0241JSP Aim – Validate analysis algorithm (based on pressure at socket relief valve) for quantifying prosthesis wearing times, walking times, and stride count. Relevance – Laboratory gait analyses don't provide evidence of amputees' levels of daily free-living activity, and questionnaires are subjective. – Monitoring prosthesis wearing times and users’ physical activity would provide invaluable information about rehabilitation progress and prosthesis suitability.

3. This article and any supplementary material should be cited as follows: Tang KT, Spence WD, Maxwell D, Stansfield BW. Validity of method to quantify transtibial amputees’ free-living prosthetic wearing times and physical activity levels when using suction suspension sockets. J Rehabil Res Dev. 2012;49(3):427–38. http://dx.doi.org/10.1682/JRRD.2010.12.0241 Slideshow Project DOI:10.1682/JRRD.2010.12.0241JSP Methods 8 participants with transtibial amputation were fitted with custom-made suction sockets. Analysis algorithms automatically characterized physical activity based on pressure at socket’s relief valve. – Generally applicable algorithm that required no participant-specific calibration. Algorithms were validated in laboratory-based protocol that included walking, stair climbing, standing, sitting, donning, and doffing.

4. This article and any supplementary material should be cited as follows: Tang KT, Spence WD, Maxwell D, Stansfield BW. Validity of method to quantify transtibial amputees’ free-living prosthetic wearing times and physical activity levels when using suction suspension sockets. J Rehabil Res Dev. 2012;49(3):427–38. http://dx.doi.org/10.1682/JRRD.2010.12.0241 Slideshow Project DOI:10.1682/JRRD.2010.12.0241JSP Results Analysis algorithms vs concurrent video analysis: – High intraclass correlation coefficients (>0.98) for agreement between “off,” “static,” and “dynamic” times and stride count. Results demonstrate that pressure at pressure-relief valve of suction suspension sockets can be used to determine wearing times and activity state.

5. This article and any supplementary material should be cited as follows: Tang KT, Spence WD, Maxwell D, Stansfield BW. Validity of method to quantify transtibial amputees’ free-living prosthetic wearing times and physical activity levels when using suction suspension sockets. J Rehabil Res Dev. 2012;49(3):427–38. http://dx.doi.org/10.1682/JRRD.2010.12.0241 Slideshow Project DOI:10.1682/JRRD.2010.12.0241JSP Conclusions This monitoring solution: – Successfully used pressure at pressure-relief valve of suction suspension sockets to determine wearing times and activity state. – May allow quantification of multiple days of prosthetic use and user activity in free-living environments. – Doesn’t interfere with prosthesis fit and requires minimal patient or clinician input. – Permits acquisition of free-living physical activity data without subjective error of questionnaire reporting.