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Outputs (119)

A scoping review of digital fabrication techniques applied to prosthetics and orthotics: Part 1 of 2—Prosthetics (2024)
Journal Article
Oldfrey, B. M., Morgado Ramirez, D. Z., Miodownik, M., Wassall, M., Ramstrand, N., Wong, M. S., …Holloway, C. (2024). A scoping review of digital fabrication techniques applied to prosthetics and orthotics: Part 1 of 2—Prosthetics. Prosthetics and Orthotics International, https://doi.org/10.1097/pxr.0000000000000351

Background: Traditionally, the manufacture of prostheses is time-consuming and labor-intensive. One possible route to improving access and quality of these devices is the digitalizing of the fabrication process, which may reduce the burden of manual... Read More about A scoping review of digital fabrication techniques applied to prosthetics and orthotics: Part 1 of 2—Prosthetics.

A quantitative comparison between the mHand Adapt passive adjustable hand prosthesis and its predecessor, the Delft Self-Grasping Hand (2024)
Journal Article
Krinis, S., Chadwell, A., Kenney, L., & Smit, G. (in press). A quantitative comparison between the mHand Adapt passive adjustable hand prosthesis and its predecessor, the Delft Self-Grasping Hand. PLoS ONE, 19(3), e0300469. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0300469

Introduction: The Delft Self-Grasping Hand (SGH) is an adjustable passive hand prosthesis that relies on wrist flexion to adjust the aperture of its grasp. The mechanism requires engagement of the contralateral hand meaning that hand is not available... Read More about A quantitative comparison between the mHand Adapt passive adjustable hand prosthesis and its predecessor, the Delft Self-Grasping Hand.

Evaluation of a novel biomechanics-informed walking frame, developed through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership between biomechanists and design engineers (2023)
Journal Article
Thies, S. B., Bevan, S., Wassall, M., Kurissinkal, B., Chowalloor, L., Kenney, L., & Howard, D. (2023). Evaluation of a novel biomechanics-informed walking frame, developed through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership between biomechanists and design engineers. BMC Geriatrics, 23(1), 734. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-023-04443-7

Background: Walking aids such as walking frames offer support during walking, yet paradoxically, people who self-report using them remain more likely to fall than people who do not. Lifting of walking frames when crossing door thresholds or when turn... Read More about Evaluation of a novel biomechanics-informed walking frame, developed through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership between biomechanists and design engineers.

Adjustable prosthetic sockets: a systematic review of industrial and research design characteristics and their justifications. (2023)
Journal Article
Baldock, M., Pickard, N., Prince, M., Kirkwood, S., Chadwell, A., Howard, D., …Curtin, S. (2023). Adjustable prosthetic sockets: a systematic review of industrial and research design characteristics and their justifications. Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, 20(1), 147. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12984-023-01270-0

BackgroundThe prosthetic socket is a key component that influences prosthesis satisfaction, with a poorly fitting prosthetic socket linked to prosthesis abandonment and reduced community participation. This paper reviews adjustable socket designs, as... Read More about Adjustable prosthetic sockets: a systematic review of industrial and research design characteristics and their justifications..

Virtual volunteering: A collaborative prosthetics research project (2023)
Journal Article
Kenney, L., Horder, C., Ackers, L., Ssekitoleko, R., Mulindwa, C., Hussaini, A., …Donovan-Hall, M. (in press). Virtual volunteering: A collaborative prosthetics research project

An international multi-disciplinary team has demonstrated a low-carbon way for clinicians and scientists in the UK to engage with global health, and how their counterparts in low-resource settings can benefit from these exchanges of expertise.

Repair strategies for assistive technology in low resource settings (2023)
Journal Article
Oldfrey, B., Holloway, C., Walker, J., McCormack, S., Deere, B., Kenney, L., …Miodownik, M. (in press). Repair strategies for assistive technology in low resource settings. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2023.2236142

Purpose To investigate the practices of repair that exist for users of mobility assistive products in low resource settings, as well as the psychosocial impact that the repair, or non-repair, of these devices has on users’ lives. Materials and Me... Read More about Repair strategies for assistive technology in low resource settings.

Evaluation of the current status of prosthetic rehabilitation services for major limb loss: a descriptive study in Ugandan Referral hospitals (2023)
Journal Article
Mulwinda, B., Nalwoga, R. P., Mwaka, E. S., Kenney, L. P. J., Ackers, L., & Ssekitoleko, R. T. (2024). Evaluation of the current status of prosthetic rehabilitation services for major limb loss: a descriptive study in Ugandan Referral hospitals. Disability and Rehabilitation, 46(5), 969-978. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2023.2188266

Background: Low-income-and-middle-income countries (LMICs) have a large burden of major limb loss. No recent study has reported on Uganda’s state of public sector prosthetics services. This study aimed to document the landscape of major limb loss,... Read More about Evaluation of the current status of prosthetic rehabilitation services for major limb loss: a descriptive study in Ugandan Referral hospitals.

3D Printing in LMICs: functional design for upper limb prosthetics in Uganda (2023)
Journal Article
Hussaini, A., Kyberd, P., Mulindwa, B., Ssekitoleko, R., Keeble, W., Kenney, L., & Howard, D. (2023). 3D Printing in LMICs: functional design for upper limb prosthetics in Uganda. Prosthesis, 5(1), 130-147. https://doi.org/10.3390/prosthesis5010011

Meeting the needs of persons with upper limb loss in Uganda requires an understanding of the needs and desires of the local population. The limitations of resources and accessibility for the individual gave rise to a focused design methodology fo... Read More about 3D Printing in LMICs: functional design for upper limb prosthetics in Uganda.

Why does my prosthetic hand not always do what it is told? (2022)
Journal Article
Chadwell, A., Prince, M., Head, J., Galpin, A., Thies, S., & Kenney, L. (2022). Why does my prosthetic hand not always do what it is told?. Frontiers for Young Minds, 10, https://doi.org/10.3389/frym.2022.786663

There are online videos that appear to show electrically powered prosthetic (artificial) hands to be near-perfect replacements for a missing hand. However, for many users, the reality can be quite different. Prosthetic hands do not always respond as... Read More about Why does my prosthetic hand not always do what it is told?.

The lived experience of people with upper limb absence living in Uganda : a qualitative study (2022)
Journal Article
Morgado-Ramirez, D., Nakandi, B., Ackers, H., Ssekitoleko, R., Mwaka, E., Kenney, L., …Donovan-Hall, M. (2022). The lived experience of people with upper limb absence living in Uganda : a qualitative study. African journal of disability, 11, 890. https://doi.org/10.4102/ajod.v11i0.890

Background: The impact of upper limb absence on people’s lived experiences remains severely under-explored, particularly in African countries, with implications for policy and service design. Objectives: explore the lived experiences of people wit... Read More about The lived experience of people with upper limb absence living in Uganda : a qualitative study.

Real-world testing of the Self Grasping Hand, a novel adjustable passive prosthesis : a single group pilot study (2022)
Journal Article
O’Brien, L., Montesano, E., Chadwell, A., Kenney, L., & Smit, G. (2022). Real-world testing of the Self Grasping Hand, a novel adjustable passive prosthesis : a single group pilot study. Prosthesis, 4(1), 48-59. https://doi.org/10.3390/prosthesis4010006

(1) Background: This study investigated the feasibility of conducting a two-week “real- world” trial of the Self Grasping Hand (SGH), a novel 3-D printed passive adjustable prosthesis for hand absence; (2) Methods: Single-group pilot study of nine ad... Read More about Real-world testing of the Self Grasping Hand, a novel adjustable passive prosthesis : a single group pilot study.

Evaluation of the effect of breast implants on the accuracy of the CT attenuation Correction (CTAC) map for SPECT/CT myocardial perfusion imaging: a phantom study (2022)
Thesis
Alanezi, A. Evaluation of the effect of breast implants on the accuracy of the CT attenuation Correction (CTAC) map for SPECT/CT myocardial perfusion imaging: a phantom study. (Thesis). University of Salford

Background: Myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) using single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging can assess myocardial viability and perfusion. However, overlying thoracic structures, such as ribs or breast tissue lead to gamma ray a... Read More about Evaluation of the effect of breast implants on the accuracy of the CT attenuation Correction (CTAC) map for SPECT/CT myocardial perfusion imaging: a phantom study.

Simulated performance of an energy storage and return prosthetic ankle based on cams and miniature hydraulics (2022)
Journal Article
Pace, A., Gardiner, J., Kenney, L., & Howard, D. (2022). Simulated performance of an energy storage and return prosthetic ankle based on cams and miniature hydraulics. IEEE Transactions on Medical Robotics and Bionics, https://doi.org/10.1109/TMRB.2022.3146628

Prosthetic feet are limited in their ability to mimic the energy-recycling behaviour of an intact ankle, negatively affecting lower-limb amputees’ gait in terms of metabolic cost and walking speed. To overcome these weaknesses, a novel prosthetic ank... Read More about Simulated performance of an energy storage and return prosthetic ankle based on cams and miniature hydraulics.

Effects of a modified passive socket system on short-term changes in residuum volume and comfort: A preliminary study in transtibial amputees (2021)
Journal Article
Atallah, H., Kenney, L., Howard, D., Liu, A., & Head, J. (2021). Effects of a modified passive socket system on short-term changes in residuum volume and comfort: A preliminary study in transtibial amputees. Prosthetics and Orthotics International, 46(1), 54-60. https://doi.org/10.1097/pxr.0000000000000053

Background: Changes in residuum volume are a common problem in lower-limb amputees during prosthesis usage, and can lead to poor suspension, impaired gait, and tissue damage. Residuum volume can be affected by the in-socket air pressure, which will i... Read More about Effects of a modified passive socket system on short-term changes in residuum volume and comfort: A preliminary study in transtibial amputees.

Co-creation and user perspectives for upper limb prosthetics (2021)
Journal Article
Jones, H., Dupan, S., Dyson, M., Krasoulis, A., Kenney, L., Donovan-Hall, M., …Nazarpour, K. (2021). Co-creation and user perspectives for upper limb prosthetics. Frontiers in Neurorobotics, 15, 689717. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnbot.2021.689717

People who either use an upper limb prosthesis and/or have used services provided by a prosthetic rehabilitation centre, experience limitations of currently available prosthetic devices. Collaboration between academia and a broad range of stakeholder... Read More about Co-creation and user perspectives for upper limb prosthetics.

An evaluation of contralateral hand involvement in the operation of the Delft Self-Grasping Hand, an adjustable passive prosthesis (2021)
Journal Article
Chadwell, A., Chinn, N., Kenney, L., Karthaus, Z., Mos, D., & Smit, G. (2021). An evaluation of contralateral hand involvement in the operation of the Delft Self-Grasping Hand, an adjustable passive prosthesis. PLoS ONE, 16(6), e0252870. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0252870

The Delft Self-Grasping Hand is an adjustable passive prosthesis operated using the concept of tenodesis (where opening and closing of the hand is mechanically linked to the flexion and extension of the wrist). As a purely mechanical device that does... Read More about An evaluation of contralateral hand involvement in the operation of the Delft Self-Grasping Hand, an adjustable passive prosthesis.

Co-creation facilitates translational research on upper limb prosthetics (2021)
Journal Article
Jones, H., Dupan, S., Coutinho, M., Day, S., Desmond, D., Donovan-Hall, M., …Nazarpour, K. (2021). Co-creation facilitates translational research on upper limb prosthetics. Prosthesis, 3(2), 110-118. https://doi.org/10.3390/prosthesis3020012

People who either use an upper limb prosthesis and/or have used services provided by a prosthetic rehabilitation centre, hereafter called users, are yet to benefit from the fast-paced growth in academic knowledge within the field of upper limb prosth... Read More about Co-creation facilitates translational research on upper limb prosthetics.

Towards automation of dynamic-gaze video analysis taking functional upper-limb tasks as a case study (2021)
Journal Article
Alyaman, M., Sobuh, M., Zaid, A., Kenney, L., Galpin, A., & Al-Taee, M. (2021). Towards automation of dynamic-gaze video analysis taking functional upper-limb tasks as a case study. Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine, 203, 106041. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmpb.2021.106041

Background and objective : Previous studies in motor control have yielded clear evidence that gaze behavior (where someone looks) quantifies the attention paid to perform actions. However, eliciting clinically meaningful results from the gaze data h... Read More about Towards automation of dynamic-gaze video analysis taking functional upper-limb tasks as a case study.

Addressing unpredictability may be the key to improving performance with current clinically prescribed myoelectric prostheses (2021)
Journal Article
Chadwell, A., Kenney, L., Thies, S., Head, J., Galpin, A., & Baker, R. (2021). Addressing unpredictability may be the key to improving performance with current clinically prescribed myoelectric prostheses. Scientific reports, 11, 3300. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-82764-6

The efferent control chain for an upper-limb myoelectric prosthesis can be separated into 3 key areas: signal generation, signal acquisition, and device response. Data were collected from twenty trans-radial myoelectric prosthesis users using their o... Read More about Addressing unpredictability may be the key to improving performance with current clinically prescribed myoelectric prostheses.

Methods for clinical evaluation (2020)
Book Chapter
Kenney, L., Kyberd, P., Galpin, A., Chadwell, A., Granat, M., Thies, S., & Head, J. (2020). Methods for clinical evaluation. In K. Nazarpour (Ed.), Control of Prosthetic Hands : challenges and emerging avenues (29-67). Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET). https://doi.org/10.1049/PBHE022E_ch3

This chapter begins with an introduction to the challenges of measurement in upper limb prosthetics. This is followed by an overview of the traditional approaches to evaluation and their strengths and weaknesses. By traditional approaches, we mean te... Read More about Methods for clinical evaluation.

An investigation of the effects of walking frame height and width on walking stability (2020)
Journal Article
Thies, S., Russell, R., Al-ani, A., Belet, T., Bates, A., Costamagna, E., …Howard, D. (2020). An investigation of the effects of walking frame height and width on walking stability. Gait & Posture, 82, 248-253. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2020.09.017

Background Walking aids are designed for structural support during walking, however, surprisingly self-reported use of a walking aid (“Yes, I use one.”) has been identified as a risk factor for falling. Adjustment and design of walking aids may affe... Read More about An investigation of the effects of walking frame height and width on walking stability.

A pin-array method for capturing tissue deformation under defined pressure distributions and its application to prosthetic socket design (2020)
Journal Article
Prince, M., Kenney, L., & Howard, D. (2020). A pin-array method for capturing tissue deformation under defined pressure distributions and its application to prosthetic socket design. Medical Engineering and Physics, 84, 136-143. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.medengphy.2020.08.003

The Fit4Purpose project aims to develop upper limb prosthetic devices which are suitable for deployment in lower- and middle-income countries (LMIC's). Open-frame trans-radial socket designs are being considered, formed of several, linked components,... Read More about A pin-array method for capturing tissue deformation under defined pressure distributions and its application to prosthetic socket design.

Evaluating reachable workspace and user control over prehensor aperture for a body-powered prosthesis (2020)
Journal Article
Chadwell, A., Kenney, L., Howard, D., Ssekitoleko, R., Nakandi, B., & Head, J. (2020). Evaluating reachable workspace and user control over prehensor aperture for a body-powered prosthesis. IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering, 28(9), 2005-2014. https://doi.org/10.1109/TNSRE.2020.3010625

Using a shoulder harness and control cable, a person can control the opening and closing of a bodypowered prosthesis prehensor. In many setups the cable does not pass adjacent to the shoulder joint center allowing shoulder flexion on the prostheti... Read More about Evaluating reachable workspace and user control over prehensor aperture for a body-powered prosthesis.

Technology for monitoring everyday prosthesis use : a systematic review (2020)
Journal Article
Chadwell, A., Diment, L., Micó-Amigo, M., Morgado Ramírez, D., Dickinson, A., Granat, M., …Worsley, P. (in press). Technology for monitoring everyday prosthesis use : a systematic review. Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, 17(1), 93. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12984-020-00711-4

Abstract: Background: Understanding how prostheses are used in everyday life is central to the design, provision and evaluation of prosthetic devices and associated services. This paper reviews the scientific literature on methodologies and technolog... Read More about Technology for monitoring everyday prosthesis use : a systematic review.

Are older people putting themselves at risk when using their walking frames? (2020)
Journal Article
Thies, S., Bates, A., Costamagna, E., Kenney, L., Granat, M., Webb, J., …Dawes, H. (2020). Are older people putting themselves at risk when using their walking frames?. BMC Geriatrics, 20(1), 90. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-020-1450-2

Background Walking aids are issued to older adults to prevent falls, however, paradoxically their use has been identified as a risk factor for falling. To prevent falls, walking aids must be used in a stable manner, but it remains unknown to what ext... Read More about Are older people putting themselves at risk when using their walking frames?.

How to build better fall detection technology : a search for characteristics unique to falls and methods to robustly evaluate performance (2020)
Thesis
Broadley, R. How to build better fall detection technology : a search for characteristics unique to falls and methods to robustly evaluate performance. (Thesis). University of Salford

Falls can have severe consequences for older adults, such as bone fractures and long periods unable to get up from the ground, known as a long-lie. The capability to automatically detect falls would reduce long-lies through ensuring prompt arrival of... Read More about How to build better fall detection technology : a search for characteristics unique to falls and methods to robustly evaluate performance.

Using magneto-inertial-measurement-units to track upper-limb movement during rehabilitation (2020)
Thesis
Al-ani, A. Using magneto-inertial-measurement-units to track upper-limb movement during rehabilitation. (Thesis). University of Salford

Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) can be used to support upper-limb rehabilitation after a stroke. A key aspect of FES control and also patient monitoring is the automatic tracking of upper-limb motion during intensive and functional practise o... Read More about Using magneto-inertial-measurement-units to track upper-limb movement during rehabilitation.

Upper limb activity of twenty myoelectric prosthesis users and twenty healthy anatomically intact adults (2019)
Journal Article
Chadwell, A., Kenney, L., Granat, M., Thies, S., Galpin, A., & Head, J. (2019). Upper limb activity of twenty myoelectric prosthesis users and twenty healthy anatomically intact adults. Scientific Data, 6(1), 199. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-019-0211-6

The upper limb activity of twenty unilateral upper limb myoelectric prosthesis users and twenty anatomically intact adults were recorded over a 7-day period using two wrist worn accelerometers (Actigraph, LLC). This dataset reflects the real-world ac... Read More about Upper limb activity of twenty myoelectric prosthesis users and twenty healthy anatomically intact adults.

How does the upper limb activity of adolescents with upper limb absence differ from anatomically intact adolescents, and does this change during sport? (2019)
Presentation / Conference
Clarke-Cornwell, A., Chinn, N., Chadwell, A., Kenney, L., Granat, M., & Head, J. (2019, June). How does the upper limb activity of adolescents with upper limb absence differ from anatomically intact adolescents, and does this change during sport?. Presented at International Conference on Ambulatory Monitoring of Physical Activity and Movement, Maastricht, Netherlands

Upper- and lower-limb amputees show reduced levels of eeriness for images of prosthetic hands (2019)
Journal Article
Buckingham, G., Parr, J., Wood, G., Day, S., Kenney, L., Galpin, A., …Poliakoff, E. (2019). Upper- and lower-limb amputees show reduced levels of eeriness for images of prosthetic hands. Psychonomic Bulletin and Review, 26, 1295-1302. https://doi.org/10.3758/s13423-019-01612-x

The uncanny phenomenon describes the feeling of unease associated with seeing an image which is close to appearing human. Prosthetic hands in particular are well-known to induce this effect. Little is known, however, about this phenomenon from the vi... Read More about Upper- and lower-limb amputees show reduced levels of eeriness for images of prosthetic hands.

Methods to characterize the real-world use of rollators using inertial sensors – a feasibility study (2019)
Journal Article
Sun, M., Kenney, L., Thies, S., & Costamagna, L. (2019). Methods to characterize the real-world use of rollators using inertial sensors – a feasibility study. IEEE Access, 7, https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2019.2919286

Rollators are widely used by people with mobility problems, but previous studies have been limited to self-report approaches when evaluating their real-world effectiveness. To support studies based on more robust datasets, a method to estimate mobili... Read More about Methods to characterize the real-world use of rollators using inertial sensors – a feasibility study.

A three-site clinical feasibility study of a flexible functional electrical stimulation system to support functional task practice for upper limb recovery in people with stroke (2019)
Journal Article
Smith, C., Sun, M., Kenney, L., Howard, D., Luckie, H., Waring, K., …Cotterill, S. (2019). A three-site clinical feasibility study of a flexible functional electrical stimulation system to support functional task practice for upper limb recovery in people with stroke. Frontiers in Neurology, 10(227), https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2019.00227

Introduction: Of those people who survive a stroke, only between 40 and 70% regain upper limb dexterity. A number of reviews have suggested that functional electrical stimulation (FES) may have a beneficial effect on upper limb motor recovery. In lig... Read More about A three-site clinical feasibility study of a flexible functional electrical stimulation system to support functional task practice for upper limb recovery in people with stroke.

Objective measures of rollator user stability and device loading during different walking scenarios (2019)
Journal Article
Costamagna, E., Thies, S., Kenney, L., Howard, D., Lindemann, U., Klenk, J., & Baker, R. (2019). Objective measures of rollator user stability and device loading during different walking scenarios. PLoS ONE, 14(1), e0210960. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0210960

Walking aids are widely used by older adults, however, alarmingly, their use has been linked to increased falls-risk, yet clinicians have no objective way of assessing user stability. This work aims to demonstrate the application of a novel methodolo... Read More about Objective measures of rollator user stability and device loading during different walking scenarios.

Prediction of setup times for an advanced upper limb functional electrical stimulation system (2018)
Journal Article
Smith, C., Kenney, L., Howard, D., Waring, K., Sun, M., Luckie, H., …Cotterill, S. (2018). Prediction of setup times for an advanced upper limb functional electrical stimulation system. Journal of Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies Engineering, 5, https://doi.org/10.1177/2055668318802561

Introduction Rehabilitation devices take time to don, and longer or unpredictable setup time impacts on usage. This paper reports on the development of a model to predict setup time for upper limb functional electrical stimulation. Methods... Read More about Prediction of setup times for an advanced upper limb functional electrical stimulation system.

Logging therapy session data via an upper limb FES rehabilitation system (2018)
Presentation / Conference
Sun, M., Kenney, L., Howard, D., Smith, C., Waring, K., & Luckie, H. (2018, August). Logging therapy session data via an upper limb FES rehabilitation system. Presented at Annual Conference of the International Functional Electrical Stimulation Society, Nottwil, Switzerland

This paper reports on an approach to capturing real-time therapy session data using an upper limb functional electrical stimulation (FES) system to support our under-standing of its usability in clinical environments and to record therapy delivered.... Read More about Logging therapy session data via an upper limb FES rehabilitation system.

Upper limb activity in myoelectric prosthesis users is biased towards the intact limb and appears unrelated to goal-directed task performance (2018)
Journal Article
Chadwell, A., Kenney, L., Granat, M., Thies, S., Head, J., Galpin, A., & Baker, R. (2018). Upper limb activity in myoelectric prosthesis users is biased towards the intact limb and appears unrelated to goal-directed task performance. Scientific reports, 8, #11084. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-29503-6

Studies of the effectiveness of prosthetic hands involve assessing user performance on functional tasks in the lab/clinic, sometimes combined with self-report of real-world use. In this paper we compare real-world upper limb activity between a group... Read More about Upper limb activity in myoelectric prosthesis users is biased towards the intact limb and appears unrelated to goal-directed task performance.

FES-UPP : a flexible functional electrical stimulation system to support upper limb functional activity practice (2018)
Journal Article
Sun, M., Smith, C., Howard, D., Kenney, L., Luckie, H., Waring, K., …Finn, S. (2018). FES-UPP : a flexible functional electrical stimulation system to support upper limb functional activity practice. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 12(449), https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2018.00449

There is good evidence supporting highly intensive, repetitive, activity-focused, voluntary-initiated practice as a key to driving recovery of upper limb function following stroke. Functional electrical stimulation (FES) offers a potential mechanism... Read More about FES-UPP : a flexible functional electrical stimulation system to support upper limb functional activity practice.

Methods for the real-world evaluation of fall detection technology : a scoping review (2018)
Journal Article
Broadley, R., Klenk, J., Thies, S., Kenney, L., & Granat, M. (2018). Methods for the real-world evaluation of fall detection technology : a scoping review. Sensors, 18(7), https://doi.org/10.3390/s18072060

Falls in older adults present a major growing healthcare challenge and reliable detection of falls is crucial to minimise their consequences. The majority of development and testing has used laboratory simulations. As simulations do not cover the w... Read More about Methods for the real-world evaluation of fall detection technology : a scoping review.

Performance of optimised prosthetic ankle designs that are based on a hydraulic variable displacement actuator (VDA) (2017)
Journal Article
Gardiner, J., Bari, A., Kenney, L., Twiste, M., Moser, D., Zahedi, S., & Howard, D. (2017). Performance of optimised prosthetic ankle designs that are based on a hydraulic variable displacement actuator (VDA). IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering, 25(12), 2418-2426. https://doi.org/10.1109/TNSRE.2017.2763999

Current energy storage and return (ESR) prosthetic feet only marginally reduce the cost of amputee locomotion compared to basic solid ankle cushioned heel (SACH) feet, possibly due to their lack of push-off at the end of stance. To our knowledge,... Read More about Performance of optimised prosthetic ankle designs that are based on a hydraulic variable displacement actuator (VDA).

Functional electrical stimulation and ankle foot orthoses provide equivalent therapeutic effects on foot drop : a meta-analysis providing direction for future research (2017)
Journal Article
Prenton, S., Hollands, K., Kenney, L., & Onmanee, P. (2017). Functional electrical stimulation and ankle foot orthoses provide equivalent therapeutic effects on foot drop : a meta-analysis providing direction for future research. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 50(2), https://doi.org/10.2340/16501977-2289

Objective: To compare the randomized controlled trial evidence for therapeutic effects on walking of functional electrical stimulation and ankle foot orthoses for foot drop caused by central nervous system conditions. Data sources: MEDLINE,... Read More about Functional electrical stimulation and ankle foot orthoses provide equivalent therapeutic effects on foot drop : a meta-analysis providing direction for future research.

A generalizable methodology for stability assessment of walking aid users (2017)
Journal Article
Costamagna, E., Thies, S., Kenney, L., Howard, D., Liu, A., & Ogden, D. (2017). A generalizable methodology for stability assessment of walking aid users. Medical Engineering and Physics, 47, 167-175. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.medengphy.2017.06.013

To assist balance and mobility, older adults are often prescribed walking aids. Nevertheless, surprisingly their use has been associated with increased falls-risk. To address this finding we first need to characterise a person’s stability while using... Read More about A generalizable methodology for stability assessment of walking aid users.

Skill assessment in upper limb myoelectric prosthesis users : validation of a clinically feasible method for characterising upper limb temporal and amplitude variability during the performance of functional tasks (2017)
Journal Article
Thies, S., Kenney, L., Sobuh, M., Galpin, A., Kyberd, P., Stine, R., & Major, M. (2017). Skill assessment in upper limb myoelectric prosthesis users : validation of a clinically feasible method for characterising upper limb temporal and amplitude variability during the performance of functional tasks. Medical Engineering and Physics, 47, 137-143. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.medengphy.2017.03.010

Upper limb myoelectric prostheses remain challenging to use and are often abandoned. A proficient user must be able to plan/execute arm movements while activating the residual muscle(s), accounting for delays and unpredictability in prosthesis respon... Read More about Skill assessment in upper limb myoelectric prosthesis users : validation of a clinically feasible method for characterising upper limb temporal and amplitude variability during the performance of functional tasks.

Visualisation of upper limb activity using spirals - a new approach to the assessment of daily prosthesis usage (2017)
Journal Article
Chadwell, A., Kenney, L., Granat, M., Thies, S., Head, J., & Galpin, A. (2018). Visualisation of upper limb activity using spirals - a new approach to the assessment of daily prosthesis usage. Prosthetics and Orthotics International, 42(1), 37-44. https://doi.org/10.1177/0309364617706751

BACKGROUND: Current outcome measures used in upper limb myoelectric prosthesis studies include clinical tests of function and self-report questionnaires on real world prosthesis use. Research in other cohorts has questioned both the validity of self-... Read More about Visualisation of upper limb activity using spirals - a new approach to the assessment of daily prosthesis usage.

Characterisation of rollator use using inertial sensors (2016)
Journal Article
Cheng, T., Kenney, L., Amor, J., Thies, S., Costamagna, E., James, C., & Holloway, C. (2016). Characterisation of rollator use using inertial sensors. Healthcare Technology Letters, 3(4), https://doi.org/10.1049/htl.2016.0061

The use of walking aids is prevalent among older people and people with mobility impairment. Rollators are designed to support outdoor mobility and require the user to negotiate curbs and slopes in the urban environment. Despite the prevalence of rol... Read More about Characterisation of rollator use using inertial sensors.

Crowd-sourced amputee gait data : a feasibility study using YouTube videos of unilateral trans-femoral gait (2016)
Journal Article
Gardiner, J., Gunarathne, N., Howard, D., & Kenney, L. (2016). Crowd-sourced amputee gait data : a feasibility study using YouTube videos of unilateral trans-femoral gait. PLoS ONE, 11(10), e0165287. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0165287

Collecting large datasets of amputee gait data is notoriously difficult. Additionally, collecting data on less prevalent amputations or on gait activities other than level walking and running on hard surfaces is rarely attempted. However, with the we... Read More about Crowd-sourced amputee gait data : a feasibility study using YouTube videos of unilateral trans-femoral gait.

A review of the design and clinical evaluation of the ShefStim array-based functional electrical stimulation system (2016)
Journal Article
Kenney, L., Heller, B., Barker, A., Reeves, M., Healey, J., Good, T., …Howard, D. (2016). A review of the design and clinical evaluation of the ShefStim array-based functional electrical stimulation system. Medical Engineering and Physics, 38(11), 1159 -1165. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.medengphy.2016.08.005

Functional electrical stimulation has been shown to be a safe and effective means of correcting foot drop of central neurological origin. Current surface-based devices typically consist of a single channel stim- ulator, a sensor for determining gait... Read More about A review of the design and clinical evaluation of the ShefStim array-based functional electrical stimulation system.

Dealing with time-varying recruitment and length in Hill-type muscle models (2016)
Journal Article
Hamouda, A., Kenney, L., & Howard, D. (2016). Dealing with time-varying recruitment and length in Hill-type muscle models. Journal of Biomechanics, 49(14), 3375-3380. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2016.08.030

Hill-type muscle models are often used in muscle simulation studies and also in the design and virtual prototyping of functional electrical stimulation systems. These models have to behave in a sufficiently realistic manner when recruitment level a... Read More about Dealing with time-varying recruitment and length in Hill-type muscle models.

The reality of myoelectric prostheses : understanding what makes these devices difficult for some users to control (2016)
Journal Article
control. Frontiers in Neurorobotics, 10(7), https://doi.org/10.3389/fnbot.2016.00007

Users of myoelectric prostheses can often find them difficult to control. This can lead to passive-use of the device or total rejection, which can have detrimental effects on the contralateral limb due to overuse. Current clinically available prosth... Read More about The reality of myoelectric prostheses : understanding what makes these devices difficult for some users to control.

Functional electrical stimulation versus ankle foot orthoses for foot-drop : a meta-analysis of orthotic effects (2016)
Journal Article
Prenton, S., Hollands, K., & Kenney, L. (2016). Functional electrical stimulation versus ankle foot orthoses for foot-drop : a meta-analysis of orthotic effects. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 48(8), 646-656. https://doi.org/10.2340/16501977-2136

Objective: To compare the effects on walking of functional electrical stimulation (FES) and ankle foot orthoses for footdrop of central neurological origin, assessed in terms of unassisted walking behaviours compared with assisted walking following... Read More about Functional electrical stimulation versus ankle foot orthoses for foot-drop : a meta-analysis of orthotic effects.

A novel method of using accelerometry for upper limb FES control (2016)
Journal Article
Sun, M., Kenney, L., Smith, C., Waring, K., Luckie, H., Liu, A., & Howard, D. (2016). A novel method of using accelerometry for upper limb FES control. Medical Engineering and Physics, 38(11), 1244-1250. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.medengphy.2016.06.005

This paper reports on a novel approach to using a 3-axis accelerometer to capture body segment angle for upper limb functional electrical stimulation (FES) control. The approach calculates the angle between the accelerome... Read More about A novel method of using accelerometry for upper limb FES control.

A flexible finite state controller for upper limb functional electrical stimulation (2016)
Presentation / Conference
Sun, M., Kenney, L., Smith, C., Waring, K., Luckie, H., & Howard, D. (2016, June). A flexible finite state controller for upper limb functional electrical stimulation. Poster presented at 20th Annual Conference of the International Functional Electrical Stimulation Society, La Grande-Motte, France

This paper reports on a flexible finite stage machine (FSM) controller for the real-time control of functional electrical stimulation (FES) during upper limb rehabilitation, and an associated setup Graphical User Interface (GUI) guides clinical users... Read More about A flexible finite state controller for upper limb functional electrical stimulation.

The effects of prosthetic ankle stiffness on stability of gait in people with trans-tibial amputation (2016)
Journal Article
Major, M., Twiste, M., Kenney, L., & Howard, D. (2016). The effects of prosthetic ankle stiffness on stability of gait in people with trans-tibial amputation. Journal of rehabilitation research and development, 53(6), 839-852. https://doi.org/10.1682/JRRD.2015.08.0148

The ability to control balance during walking is a critical precondition for minimizing fall risk, but is compromised in persons with lower-limb loss due to reduced sensory feedback mechanisms and inability to actively modulate prosthesis mechanical... Read More about The effects of prosthetic ankle stiffness on stability of gait in people with trans-tibial amputation.

Transtibial amputee gait efficiency : energy storage and return versus solid ankle cushioned heel prosthetic feet (2016)
Journal Article
Gardiner, J., Bari, A., Howard, D., & Kenney, L. (2016). Transtibial amputee gait efficiency : energy storage and return versus solid ankle cushioned heel prosthetic feet. Journal of rehabilitation research and development, 53(6), 1133-1138. https://doi.org/10.1682/JRRD.2015.04.0066

Energy storage and return (ESR) feet have long been assumed to promote metabolically efficient amputee gait. However, despite being prescribed for approximately thirty years, there is limited evidence that they achieve this desired function. Here, we... Read More about Transtibial amputee gait efficiency : energy storage and return versus solid ankle cushioned heel prosthetic feet.

Trial-trial temporal variability in upper limb functional task performance differentiates amputees from controls and decreases with practice (2015)
Presentation / Conference
Major, M., Stine, R., Heckathorne, C., Thies, S., Sobuh, M., Galpin, A., …Kenney, L. (2015, August). Trial-trial temporal variability in upper limb functional task performance differentiates amputees from controls and decreases with practice. Presented at 39th Annual Conference of the American Society of Biomechanics, Columbus, Ohio

Meta-analysis of metabolic cost of amputee walking shows only a marginal improvement in cost when using ESR feet compared to conventional SACH feet (2015)
Presentation / Conference
Gardiner, J., Bari, Z., Kenney, L., & Howard, D. (2015, June). Meta-analysis of metabolic cost of amputee walking shows only a marginal improvement in cost when using ESR feet compared to conventional SACH feet. Presented at ISPO World Congress 2015, Lyon, France

Background: Energy storage and return (ESR) prosthetic feet are designed to store strain energy during stance and release that energy during push-off and, hence, promote a more energy efficient gait. However, despite ESR feet being prescribed for app... Read More about Meta-analysis of metabolic cost of amputee walking shows only a marginal improvement in cost when using ESR feet compared to conventional SACH feet.

Novel methods of using accelerometry for upper limb FES control [conference paper] (2015)
Presentation / Conference
Sun, M., Howard, D., Kenney, L., Smith, C., Waring, K., & Luckie, H. (2015, May). Novel methods of using accelerometry for upper limb FES control [conference paper]. Presented at 5th Conference of the International Functional Electrical Stimulation Society (IFESS) UK & Ireland Chapter : Stimulating Technology for the Future, Sheffield, UK

Introduction: Accelerometry offers a low cost, low power solution to measuring body segment angle (BSA) relative to the gravity vector under quasi-static conditions. BSA may be used as an input to a state-machine based, upper limb functional electric... Read More about Novel methods of using accelerometry for upper limb FES control [conference paper].

Accelerometer-triggered functional electrical stimulation for recovery of upper limb function in chronic stroke patients : A randomised trial (2015)
Presentation / Conference
Taylor, P., Mann, G., Esnouf, J., Luckie, H., Waring, K., McFadden, C., …Kenney, L. (2015, May). Accelerometer-triggered functional electrical stimulation for recovery of upper limb function in chronic stroke patients : A randomised trial. Presented at 5th Conference of the International Functional Electrical Stimulation Society (IFESS) UK and Ireland Chapter, Sheffield University

Effects of shoe sole geometry on toe clearance and walking stability in older adults (2015)
Journal Article
Thies, S., Price, C., Kenney, L., & Baker, R. (2015). Effects of shoe sole geometry on toe clearance and walking stability in older adults. Gait & Posture, 42(2), 105-109. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2015.04.011

Thirty-five percent of people above age 65 fall each year, and half of their falls are associated with tripping: tripping, an apparently ‘mundane’ everyday problem, therefore significantly impacts on older people's health and associated medical costs... Read More about Effects of shoe sole geometry on toe clearance and walking stability in older adults.

Older people’s experiences of using tactile paving (2015)
Journal Article
Ormerod, M., Newton, R., MacLennan, H., Faruk, M., Thies, S., Kenney, L., …Nester, C. (2015). Older people’s experiences of using tactile paving. Proceedings of the ICE - Municipal Engineer, 168(1), 3-10. https://doi.org/10.1680/muen.14.00016

Tactile paving has been designed in response to the needs of vision-impaired pedestrians to be independent, mobile, confident and safe when using the external environment. Tactile paving is not without its critics because it can adversely affect ot... Read More about Older people’s experiences of using tactile paving.

The development and validation of an activity monitoring system for use in measurement of posture of childbearing women during first stage of labour (2015)
Journal Article
Hollins-Martin, C., Kenney, L., Pratt, T., & Granat, M. (2015). The development and validation of an activity monitoring system for use in measurement of posture of childbearing women during first stage of labour. Journal of Midwifery and Women's Health, 60(2), 182-186. https://doi.org/10.1111/jmwh.12230

Introduction: There is limited understanding of the type and extent of maternal postures that midwives should encourage or support during labor. The aims of this study were to identify a set of postures and movements commonly seen during labor, to d... Read More about The development and validation of an activity monitoring system for use in measurement of posture of childbearing women during first stage of labour.

A sock for foot-drop : A preliminary study on two chronic stroke patients (2014)
Journal Article
Prenton, S., Kenney, L., Cooper, G., & Major, M. (2014). A sock for foot-drop : A preliminary study on two chronic stroke patients. Prosthetics and Orthotics International, 38(5), 425-430. https://doi.org/10.1177/0309364613505107

Foot-drop is a common motor impairment of chronic stroke patients, which may be addressed with an ankle foot orthosis. Although there is reasonable evidence of effectiveness for ankle foot orthoses, user compliance is sometimes poor. This study inves... Read More about A sock for foot-drop : A preliminary study on two chronic stroke patients.

The use of an adjustable electrode housing unit to compare electrode alignment and contact variation with myoelectric prosthesis functionality: A pilot study (2014)
Journal Article
and contact variation with myoelectric prosthesis functionality: A pilot study. Prosthetics and Orthotics International, 40(1), 123-128. https://doi.org/10.1177/0309364614545417

Background: Usable myoelectric control relies on secure and intimate contact at all times between the electrode, the socket and the residual limb. At present, there is little post-fitting socket adjustment available to prosthetists with respect to el... Read More about The use of an adjustable electrode housing unit to compare electrode alignment and contact variation with myoelectric prosthesis functionality: A pilot study.

Feasibility study of a take-home array-based functional electrical stimulation system with automated setup for current functional electrical stimulation users with foot-drop (2014)
Journal Article
Prenton, S., Kenney, L., Stapleton, C., Cooper, G., Reeves, M., Heller, B., …Williamson, T. (2014). Feasibility study of a take-home array-based functional electrical stimulation system with automated setup for current functional electrical stimulation users with foot-drop. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 95(10), 1870-1877. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2014.04.027

Objective To investigate the feasibility of unsupervised community use of an array-based automated setup functional electrical stimulator for current foot-drop functional electrical stimulation (FES) users. Design Feasibility study. S... Read More about Feasibility study of a take-home array-based functional electrical stimulation system with automated setup for current functional electrical stimulation users with foot-drop.

Visuomotor behaviours when using a myoelectric prosthesis (2014)
Journal Article
prosthesis. Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, 11(72), https://doi.org/10.1186/1743-0003-11-72

Background A recent study showed that the gaze patterns of amputee users of myoelectric prostheses differ markedly from those seen in anatomically intact subjects. Gaze behaviour is a promising outcome measures for prosthesis designers, as it appe... Read More about Visuomotor behaviours when using a myoelectric prosthesis.

Enhancing public involvement in assistive technology design research (2014)
Journal Article
Williamson, T., Kenney, L., Barker, A., Cooper, G., Good, T., Healey, J., …Smith, C. (2015). Enhancing public involvement in assistive technology design research. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 10(3), 258-265. https://doi.org/10.3109/17483107.2014.908247

To appraise the application of accepted good practice guidance on public involvement in assistive technology research and to identify its impact on the research team, the public, device and trial design. Methods: Critical reflection and within-proje... Read More about Enhancing public involvement in assistive technology design research.

Automated detection of instantaneous gait events using time frequency analysis and manifold embedding (2013)
Journal Article
using time frequency analysis and manifold embedding. IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering, 21(6), 908-915. https://doi.org/10.1109/TNSRE.2013.2239313

Accelerometry is a widely used sensing modality in human biomechanics due to its portability, non-invasiveness, and accuracy. However, difficulties lie in signal variability and interpretation in relation to biomechanical events. In walking, heel st... Read More about Automated detection of instantaneous gait events using time frequency analysis and manifold embedding.

The effects of prosthetic ankle stiffness on ankle and knee kinematics, prosthetic limb loading, and net metabolic cost of trans-tibial amputee gait (2013)
Journal Article
Major, M., Twiste, M., Kenney, L., & Howard, D. (2014). The effects of prosthetic ankle stiffness on ankle and knee kinematics, prosthetic limb loading, and net metabolic cost of trans-tibial amputee gait. Clinical Biomechanics, 29(1), 98-104. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2013.10.012

Background Previous studies of commercially-available trans-tibial prosthetic components have been unable to provide clear insight into the relationships between prosthetic mechanical properties and user performance (i.e., gait quality and energy ex... Read More about The effects of prosthetic ankle stiffness on ankle and knee kinematics, prosthetic limb loading, and net metabolic cost of trans-tibial amputee gait.

Automatic detection of lift-off and touch-down of a pick-up walker using 3D kinematics (2013)
Journal Article
Grootveld, L., Thies, S., Ogden, D., Howard, D., & Kenney, L. (2014). Automatic detection of lift-off and touch-down of a pick-up walker using 3D kinematics. Medical Engineering and Physics, 36(2), 255-260. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.medengphy.2013.08.008

Walking aids have been associated with falls and it is believed that incorrect use limits their usefulness. Measures are therefore needed that characterize their stable use and the classification of key events in walking aid movement is the first ste... Read More about Automatic detection of lift-off and touch-down of a pick-up walker using 3D kinematics.

The relationship between impairment, functional ability, hand-arm task complexity and set-up difficulty for an Advanced FES Rehab Tool (2013)
Presentation / Conference
Smith, C., Kenney, L., Howard, D., Waring, K., Sun, M., & Hardiker, N. (2013, April). The relationship between impairment, functional ability, hand-arm task complexity and set-up difficulty for an Advanced FES Rehab Tool. Poster presented at Fourth Conference of the UK and Ireland Chapter of the International Functional Electrical Stimulation Society (IFESSUKI), Southampton, UK

Bernstein’s levels of construction of movements applied to upper limb prosthetics (2012)
Journal Article
applied to upper limb prosthetics. Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics, 24(2), 67-76

This article addresses the neuromotor control processes underlying the use of an upper limb prosthesis. Knowledge of these processes is used to make recommendations as to how prostheses and prosthesis training should develop to advance the functional... Read More about Bernstein’s levels of construction of movements applied to upper limb prosthetics.

Stance phase mechanical characterization of transtibial prostheses distal to the socket : a review (2012)
Journal Article
Major, M., Kenney, L., Twiste, M., & Howard, D. (2012). Stance phase mechanical characterization of transtibial prostheses distal to the socket : a review. Journal of rehabilitation research and development, 49(6), 815-830. https://doi.org/10.1682/JRRD.2011.06.0108

Achieving the required functionality of a trans-tibial prosthesis during the stance phase of gait (e.g., shock absorption, close to normal roll-over characteristics, and smooth transition into swing) depends on the “Amputee Independent Prosthesis P... Read More about Stance phase mechanical characterization of transtibial prostheses distal to the socket : a review.

Effects of ramp negotiation, paving type and shoe sole geometry on toe clearance in young adults (2011)
Journal Article
Thies, S., Jones, R., Kenney, L., Howard, D., & Baker, R. (2011). Effects of ramp negotiation, paving type and shoe sole geometry on toe clearance in young adults. Journal of Biomechanics, 44(15), 2679-2684. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2011.07.027

Trips are a major cause of falls and result from involuntary contact of the foot with the ground during the swing phase of gait. Adequate toe clearance during swing is therefore crucial for safe locomotion. To date, little is known about the effects... Read More about Effects of ramp negotiation, paving type and shoe sole geometry on toe clearance in young adults.

The use of hydrogel as an electrode-skin interface for electrode array FES applications (2011)
Journal Article
Cooper, G., Barker, A., Heller, B., Good, T., Kenney, L., & Howard, D. (2011). The use of hydrogel as an electrode-skin interface for electrode array FES applications. Medical Engineering and Physics, 33(8), 967-982. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.medengphy.2011.03.008

Functional electrical stimulation is commonly used to restore function in post-stroke patients in upper and lower limb applications. Location of the electrodes can be a problem hence some research groups have begun to experiment with electrode arrays... Read More about The use of hydrogel as an electrode-skin interface for electrode array FES applications.

A comparative evaluation of sonomyography, electromyography, force, and wrist angle in a discrete tracking task (2011)
Journal Article
Guo, J., Zheng, Y., Kenney, L., Bowen, A., Howard, D., & Canderle, J. (2011). A comparative evaluation of sonomyography, electromyography, force, and wrist angle in a discrete tracking task. Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology, 37(6), 884-891. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2011.03.008

We have previously used the real-time change of muscle thickness detected using ultrasound, namely sonomyography (SMG), for prosthesis motor control purposes. In the present study, we further compared subjects’ performance using SMG and surface elect... Read More about A comparative evaluation of sonomyography, electromyography, force, and wrist angle in a discrete tracking task.

Automatic identification of gait events using an instrumented sock (2011)
Journal Article
instrumented sock. Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, 8, 32. https://doi.org/10.1186/1743-0003-8-32

Background: textile-based transducers are an emerging technology in which piezo-resistive properties of materials are used to measure an applied strain. By incorporating these sensors into a sock, this technology offers the potential to detect crit... Read More about Automatic identification of gait events using an instrumented sock.

Biomechanics for inclusive urban design : effects of tactile paving on older adults’ gait when crossing the street (2011)
Journal Article
Thies, S., Kenney, L., Howard, D., Nester, C., Ormerod, M., Newton, R., …Maclennan, H. (2011). Biomechanics for inclusive urban design : effects of tactile paving on older adults’ gait when crossing the street. Journal of Biomechanics, 44(8), 1599-1604. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2010.12.016

In light of our ageing population it is important that the urban environment is easily accessible and hence supports older adults’ independence. Tactile ‘blister’ paving was originally designed to provide guidance for visually impaired people at pede... Read More about Biomechanics for inclusive urban design : effects of tactile paving on older adults’ gait when crossing the street.

Amputee independent prosthesis properties - a new model for description and measurement (2011)
Journal Article
Major, M., Twiste, M., Kenney, L., & Howard, D. (2011). Amputee independent prosthesis properties - a new model for description and measurement. Journal of Biomechanics, 44(14), 2572-2575. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2011.07.016

A model is presented for describing the Amputee Independent Prosthesis Properties (AIPP) of complete assemblies of trans-tibial prosthetic components distal to the socket. This new AIPP model includes features of both lumped parameter and roll-over m... Read More about Amputee independent prosthesis properties - a new model for description and measurement.

Inertial sensor-based knee flexion/extension angle estimation (2009)
Journal Article
Cooper, G., Sheret, I., McMillian, L., Siliverdis, K., Sha, N., Hodgins, D., …Howard, D. (2009). Inertial sensor-based knee flexion/extension angle estimation. Journal of Biomechanics, 42(16), 2678-2685. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2009.08.004

A new method for estimating knee joint flexion/extension angles from segment acceleration and angular velocity data is described. The approach uses a combination of Kalman filters and biomechanical constraints based on anatomical knowledge. In contra... Read More about Inertial sensor-based knee flexion/extension angle estimation.

Movement variability in stroke patients and controls performing two upper limb functional tasks: a new assessment methodology (2009)
Journal Article
Thies, S., Tresadern, P., Kenney, L., Smith, J., Howard, D., Goulermas, J., …Rigby, J. (2009). Movement variability in stroke patients and controls performing two upper limb functional tasks: a new assessment methodology. Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, 6(2), https://doi.org/10.1186/1743-0003-6-2

Background: In the evaluation of upper limb impairment post stroke there remains a gap between detailed kinematic analyses with expensive motion capturing systems and common clinical assessment tests. In particular, although many clinical tests evalu... Read More about Movement variability in stroke patients and controls performing two upper limb functional tasks: a new assessment methodology.

Simulating acceleration from stereophotogrammetry for medical device design (2009)
Journal Article
Tresadern, P., Thies, S., Kenney, L., Howard, D., Smith, C., Rigby, J., & Goulermas, J. (2009). Simulating acceleration from stereophotogrammetry for medical device design. Journal of Biomechanical Engineering, 131(6), https://doi.org/10.1115/1.3118771

When designing a medical device based on lightweight accelerometers, the designer is faced with a number of questions in order to maximize performance while minimizing cost and complexity: Where should the inertial unit be located? How many units ar... Read More about Simulating acceleration from stereophotogrammetry for medical device design.

Activity identification using body-mounted sensors — a review of classification techniques (2009)
Journal Article
Preece, S., Goulermas, J., Kenney, L., Howard, D., Meijer, K., & Crompton, R. (2009). Activity identification using body-mounted sensors — a review of classification techniques. Physiological Measurement, 30, R1-R33. https://doi.org/10.1088/0967-3334/30/4/R01

With the advent of miniaturized sensing technology, which can be body-worn, it is nowpossible to collect and store data on different aspects of human movement under the conditions of free living. This technology has the potential to be used in automa... Read More about Activity identification using body-mounted sensors — a review of classification techniques.

A surface electrode array-based system for functional electrical stimulation (2008)
Thesis
Sha, N. A surface electrode array-based system for functional electrical stimulation. (Thesis). University of Salford

The goal of this thesis is to develop an electrode array-based functional electrical stimulation (FES) system for foot drop correction. The thesis reports a series of studies on the design and development of an electrode array, describes how these re... Read More about A surface electrode array-based system for functional electrical stimulation.

Investigating effects of mechanical properties of trans-tibial prostheses on user performance (2008)
Journal Article
Major, M., Twiste, M., Kenney, L., & Howard, D. (2008). Investigating effects of mechanical properties of trans-tibial prostheses on user performance. Journal of Biomechanics, 41(S1), 416-416. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0021-9290%2808%2970415-9

As the design of trans-tibial prostheses has continued to advance, this has led to a wide range of alternative commercially available modular components, which when assembled comprise the trans-tibial prosthesis.

The effect of the impedance of a thin hydrogel electrode on sensation during functional electrical stimulation (2008)
Journal Article
Sha, N., Kenney, L., Heller, B., Barker, A., Howard, D., & Wang, W. (2008). The effect of the impedance of a thin hydrogel electrode on sensation during functional electrical stimulation. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.medengphy.2007.07.012

Surface functional electrical stimulation results in stimulation of cutaneous receptors and discomfort. The degree of non-uniformity of current distribution in the cutaneous layers in the vicinity of the electrode may influence the sensation experien... Read More about The effect of the impedance of a thin hydrogel electrode on sensation during functional electrical stimulation.

An instance-based algorithm with auxiliary similarity information for the estimation of gait kinematics from wearable sensors. (2008)
Journal Article
Goulermas, J., Findlow, A., Nester, C., Liatsis, P., Zeng, X., Kenney, L., …Howard, D. (2008). An instance-based algorithm with auxiliary similarity information for the estimation of gait kinematics from wearable sensors. IEEE transactions on neural networks / a publication of the IEEE Neural Networks Council, 19(9), 1574-1582. https://doi.org/10.1109/TNN.2008.2000808

Wearable human movement measurement systems are increasingly popular as a means of capturing human movement data in real-world situations. Previous work has attempted to estimate segment kinematics during walking fromfoot acceleration and angular ve... Read More about An instance-based algorithm with auxiliary similarity information for the estimation of gait kinematics from wearable sensors..

Rapid prototyping for functional electrical stimulation control (2008)
Journal Article
Tresadern, P., Thies, S., Kenney, L., Howard, D., & Goulermas, J. (2008). Rapid prototyping for functional electrical stimulation control. IEEE Pervasive Computing, 7(2), 62-69. https://doi.org/10.1109/MPRV.2008.35

Electrical muscle stimulators can help restore limb function following a neurological injury. However, complex neuromuscular stimulators need a straightforward software interface to simplify hardware programming and make patient care more efficient.... Read More about Rapid prototyping for functional electrical stimulation control.

A finite element model to identify electrode influence on current distribution in the skin (2008)
Journal Article
Sha, N., Kenney, L., Heller, B., Barker, A., Howard, D., & Moatamedi, M. (2008). A finite element model to identify electrode influence on current distribution in the skin. Artificial Organs, 32(8), 639-643. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1525-1594.2008.00615.x

Discomfort experienced during surface functional electrical stimulation (FES) is thought to be partly a result of localised high current density in the skin underneath the stimulating electrode. This paper describes a finite element (FE) model to pre... Read More about A finite element model to identify electrode influence on current distribution in the skin.

Healthy aims: developing new medical implants and diagnostic equipment (2008)
Journal Article
Hodgins, D., Bertsch, A., Post, N., Frischholz, M., Volckaerts, B., Spensley, J., …Kenney, L. (2008). Healthy aims: developing new medical implants and diagnostic equipment. IEEE Pervasive Computing, 7(1), 14-21. https://doi.org/10.1109/MPRV.2008.8

Healthy Aims is a €23-million, four-year project, funded under the EU’s Information Society Technology Sixth Framework program to develop intelligent medical implants and diagnostic systems (www.healthyaims.org). The project has 25 partners from 10 c... Read More about Healthy aims: developing new medical implants and diagnostic equipment.

Comparison of linear acceleration from three measurement systems during “reach & grasp” (2007)
Journal Article
Thies, S., Tresadern, P., Kenney, L., Howard, D., Goulermas, J., Smith, C., & Rigby, J. (2007). Comparison of linear acceleration from three measurement systems during “reach & grasp”. Medical Engineering and Physics, 29(9), 967-972. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.medengphy.2006.10.012

Given the increased use of accelerometers in movement analysis, validation of such inertial sensors against conventional 3D camera systems and performance comparisons of different sensors have become important topics in biomechanics. This paper evalu... Read More about Comparison of linear acceleration from three measurement systems during “reach & grasp”.

Does transverse plane mechanical compliance affect amputee gait and in-socket forces? (2006)
Journal Article
Twiste, M., Nester, C., & Kenney, L. (2006). Does transverse plane mechanical compliance affect amputee gait and in-socket forces?. Journal of Biomechanics, 39(S1), 171

Transverse plane rotation in an amputee's residual-limb appears to be less than in non-amputees [1,2]. However, it remains unclear firstly, to what extent this is driven by the properties of the prosthesis, and secondly, whether this has detriment... Read More about Does transverse plane mechanical compliance affect amputee gait and in-socket forces?.

A cam-displacement transducer device for measuring bi plane prosthetic motion (2004)
Journal Article
Twiste, M., Rithalia, S., & Kenney, L. (2004). A cam-displacement transducer device for measuring bi plane prosthetic motion. Medical Engineering and Physics, 26(4), 335-340. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.medengphy.2004.01.002

An electromechanical system is described that comprises a cam and two linear displacement transducers for measuring two-degree of freedom. This is aimed at quantifying the extent and pattern of both transverse rotation and longitudinal translation... Read More about A cam-displacement transducer device for measuring bi plane prosthetic motion.

The design, development and evaluation of an array-based FES system with automated setup for the correction of drop foot (2002)
Presentation / Conference
Kenney, L., Heller, B., Barker, A., Reeves, M., Healey, J., Good, T., …Howard, D. (2002, August). The design, development and evaluation of an array-based FES system with automated setup for the correction of drop foot. Presented at 9th IFAC Symposium on Biological and Medical Systems, Berlin, Germany, Berlin, Germany

Functional electrical stimulation has been shown to be a safe and effective means of correcting drop foot of central neurological origin. However, despite recent technological advances, the set-up of surface stimulators remains a challenge for many... Read More about The design, development and evaluation of an array-based FES system with automated setup for the correction of drop foot.

An implantable two channel drop foot stimulator: initial clinical results (2002)
Journal Article
Kenney, L., Bultstra, G., Buschman, R., Taylor, P., Mann, G., Hermens, H., …Hobby, J. (2002). An implantable two channel drop foot stimulator: initial clinical results. Artificial Organs, 26(3), 267-270. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1525-1594.2002.06949.x

This article reports preliminary results of pilot studies of a new implantable two channel drop foot stimulator. The stimulator consists of an externally worn transmitter inductively coupled to an implanted receiver unit located in the lower leg, lat... Read More about An implantable two channel drop foot stimulator: initial clinical results.

Why doesn’t a prosthetic hand always do what it’s told?
Journal Article
Chadwell, A., Prince, M., Head, J., Galpin, A., Thies, S., & Kenney, L. (in press). Why doesn’t a prosthetic hand always do what it’s told?. Frontiers for Young Minds,

There are online videos which appear to show electrically-powered prosthetic hands to be nearperfect replacements for a missing hand (e.g. https://youtu.be/F_brnKz_2tI). However, for many users, the reality can be different. Prosthetic hands don’t a... Read More about Why doesn’t a prosthetic hand always do what it’s told?.

A novel energy storage and return prosthetic ankle using cams and miniature hydraulics
Journal Article
Pace, A., Gardiner, J., Kenney, L., & Howard, D. (in press). A novel energy storage and return prosthetic ankle using cams and miniature hydraulics. IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering,

A novel design for an energy-storage-and-return (ESR) prosthetic ankle is described, based on simple miniature hydraulics. The aim is to overcome the weaknesses of prosthetic feet currently on the market and also previous research attempts, which are... Read More about A novel energy storage and return prosthetic ankle using cams and miniature hydraulics.

Exploring factors associated with upper-limb prosthesis embodiment : a mixed-methods approach
Thesis
Hodrien, A. Exploring factors associated with upper-limb prosthesis embodiment : a mixed-methods approach. (Thesis). University of Salford

Current rejection rates among upper-limb prosthesis users are particularly high. A significant psychological factor associated with prosthesis use is the extent to which users feel their prosthesis is a natural part of them (termed Prosthesis Embodim... Read More about Exploring factors associated with upper-limb prosthesis embodiment : a mixed-methods approach.

The effect of socket design on the reliability of EMG signal transduction in trans-radial myoelectric prostheses
Thesis
Monk, A. (in press). The effect of socket design on the reliability of EMG signal transduction in trans-radial myoelectric prostheses. (Dissertation). University of Salford

Background: The majority of trans-radial myoelectric prosthesis users experience some level of difficulty and disruption in the control of their prosthesis everyday (1). Previous studies by Head (1) and Chadwell et al. (2) have suggested that the fit... Read More about The effect of socket design on the reliability of EMG signal transduction in trans-radial myoelectric prostheses.

A model to predict setup time for a novel upper limb FES system
Presentation / Conference
Smith, C., Kenney, L., Howard, D., Hardiker, N., Waring, K., Sun, M., & Luckie, H. A model to predict setup time for a novel upper limb FES system. Poster presented at Fifth Conference of the UK and Ireland Chapter of the International Functional Electrical Stimulation Society (UKRI-IFESS), Sheffield, UK

Visuomotor behaviours during functional task performance with a myoelectric prosthesis
Thesis
Sobuh, M. Visuomotor behaviours during functional task performance with a myoelectric prosthesis. (Thesis). University of Salford

Myoelectric hand prostheses are controlled via electromyographic (EMG) signals measured at the residual forearm musculature. Active functional use requires control of force and motion of the prosthetic hand in the absence of proprioceptive and tactil... Read More about Visuomotor behaviours during functional task performance with a myoelectric prosthesis.

The effects of Functional Electrical Stimulation on motor-cognitive interference during gait in people with foot drop following stroke
Thesis
McAdam, J. The effects of Functional Electrical Stimulation on motor-cognitive interference during gait in people with foot drop following stroke. (Thesis). University of Salford

A stroke can impair both motor and cognitive functioning, reducing the automaticity of walking and increasing susceptibility to motor-cognitive interference (MCI). There is also some evidence of an association between susceptibility to MCI and the in... Read More about The effects of Functional Electrical Stimulation on motor-cognitive interference during gait in people with foot drop following stroke.

Predicting lower limb joint kinematics using wearable motion sensors
Journal Article
Findlow, A., GOULERMAS, J., Nester, C., Howard, D., & Kenney, L. Predicting lower limb joint kinematics using wearable motion sensors. Gait & Posture, 28(1), 120-126. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2007.11.001

The aim of this study was to estimate sagittal plane ankle, knee and hip gait kinematics using 3D angular velocity and linear acceleration data from motion sensors on the foot and shank. We explored the accuracy of intra-subject predictions (i.e., wh... Read More about Predicting lower limb joint kinematics using wearable motion sensors.

Disability design and innovation in computing research in low resource settings
Presentation / Conference
Morgado Ramirez, D., Barbareschi, G., Donovan-Hall, M., Sobuh, M., Elayyan, N., Nakandi, B., …Holloway, C. Disability design and innovation in computing research in low resource settings. Presented at ASSETS '20: The 22nd International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility, Virtual

80% of people with disabilities worldwide live in low resourced settings, rural areas, informal settlements and in multidimensional poverty. ICT4D leverages technological innovations to deliver programs for international development. But very few do... Read More about Disability design and innovation in computing research in low resource settings.

Harnessing public and patient involvement for upper limb prosthetics design
Presentation / Conference
Donovan-Hall, M., Chadwell, A., Morgado Ramirez, D., Ssekitoleko, R., Sobuh, M., & Kenney, L. Harnessing public and patient involvement for upper limb prosthetics design. Presented at Trent International Prosthetics Symposium, Salford

Increasing numbers of people in Lower Middle Income Countries (LMICs ) are living with upper limb absence, however, access to P&O services are limited. This can have a devastating impact on engagement in activities of daily living, as when living a... Read More about Harnessing public and patient involvement for upper limb prosthetics design.

Prosthetics services in Uganda : a series of studies to inform the design of a low cost, but fit-for-purpose, body-powered prosthesis
Working Paper
Kenney, L., Ssekitoleko, R., Chadwell, A., Donovan-Hall, M., Morgado Ramirez, D., Holloway, C., …Kalibbala, M. (2019). Prosthetics services in Uganda : a series of studies to inform the design of a low cost, but fit-for-purpose, body-powered prosthesis

The majority of people with upper limb absence (PWULA) live in lower, or middle-income countries (LMICs). However, efforts to develop improved prostheses have largely focused on electrically powered devices, sustainable deployment of which, in LMICs,... Read More about Prosthetics services in Uganda : a series of studies to inform the design of a low cost, but fit-for-purpose, body-powered prosthesis.

A comparison of feature extraction methods for the classification of dynamic activities from accelerometer data
Journal Article
Preece, S., Goulermas, J., Kenney, L., & Howard, D. A comparison of feature extraction methods for the classification of dynamic activities from accelerometer data. IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering, 56, 871-879

Driven by the demands on healthcare resulting from the shift toward more sedentary lifestyles, considerable effort has been devoted to the monitoring and classification of human activity. In previous studies, various classification schemes and featur... Read More about A comparison of feature extraction methods for the classification of dynamic activities from accelerometer data.