MID Candidate: Mark Husack

Title: Aiding Lower-limb Amputees in Traversing Uneven Terrain Through Product Design 

Abstract: The majority of lower-limb amputations are not caused by trauma or cancer, but rather by vascular diseases brought on by Type 2 Diabetes. Many of these patients must have a limb amputated because they have led a sedentary lifestyle and maintained a poor diet for much of their lives. Having a limb amputated can be a wake-up call to these patients, giving them the motivation to change their lifestyle and become more physically active. However, many of these lower-limb amputees are on Medicare or Medicaid and are only covered for their basic walking needs. Due to the high out-of-pocket costs of specialized prostheses needed to perform specific physical activities, it can be more difficult for them to achieve that lifestyle change. This study aims to design a device that will aid lower-limb amputees in traversing uneven terrain with the intent of facilitating outdoor activities.

Committee Members: Dr. Stephen H. Sprigle, School of Applied Physiology and Program in Industrial Design, Advisor

Reading Committee: Rob Kistenberg, Co-Director & Coordinator of Prosthetics, MSPO Program, School of Applied Physiology; Dr. Katherine Fu, Assistant Professor, School of Industrial Design and School of Mechanical Engineering; Josh McNeil, Certified prosthetist at Fourroux Prosthetics, Birmingham, Alabama