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There is now a CONTENT FREEZE for Mercury while we switch to a new platform. It began on Friday, March 10 at 6pm and will end on Wednesday, March 15 at noon. No new content can be created during this time, but all material in the system as of the beginning of the freeze will be migrated to the new platform, including users and groups. Functionally the new site is identical to the old one. webteam@gatech.edu
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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
