Appeal made for leg amputees

People who have had an amputation of the leg and use a prosthetic fitting are being asked to take part in a study aimed at improving the lives of people around the world.

Giulia Zedda, a PhD research student at Dundee University, is looking in particular for those who wear their prosthetic under their knee and can walk unaided.

Her study, conducted in the Institute of Motion Analysis and Research at the university’s medical school, will look into whether modern prosthetics are as efficient as they can be.

Giulia said: “The prosthetic fitting is one of the most important processes in the treatment of amputees.

“The purpose of this study is to provide more information about how the prosthetic works for the patient in both stationary and moving states.

“The results of this project will provide useful information to clinicians and amputees during prosthetic fitting in clinical practice and for better physiotherapy rehabilitation.”

Participants will only be required for one hour of testing.

They will be asked to walk 10 metres using their normal walking speed, which will be repeated six times over the course of their session.

Computer software will be used to accurately measure force distribution, checking to see if the prosthetic is in the best place.

Those interested in volunteering can contact Giulia via email at g.zedda@dundee.ac.uk.