Engineering Independence After Limb Loss | Kylie Wright | TEDxUniversityofMississippi

Key Concepts:

• Lower extremity limb loss and its impact on daily life.
• The complexity of balance and the role of various sensory inputs.
• The psychological effects of amputation, including depression and suicidal ideation.
• The limitations of current solutions for showering, such as shower chairs and waterproof prosthetics.
• The development of a novel device, the "Antler," to enable amputees to stand safely in the shower.
• The importance of user-centered design and collaboration with amputees.
• The potential for small ideas to have a significant impact.

The Challenge of Showering for Lower Limb Amputees

• Millions of people with lower extremity limb loss struggle with the simple task of showering.
• Balancing on one leg in the shower is difficult, especially with eyes closed (average balance time is only 10 seconds).
• Falls in the bathroom are a significant problem, with the CDC reporting 235,000 emergency room visits annually due to fall-related injuries.
• For amputees, falls can lead to further surgeries, higher levels of amputation, and prolonged recovery.
• Shower chairs are often a necessity but don't fully address the issue of independence and normalcy.

The Science of Balance

• Balance is a complex process involving the eyes, joints, muscles, and the vestibular system in the inner ear.
• These systems work together to determine our position in space.
• The brain dedicates a significant portion of its processing power to understanding visual input for balance.
• Amputees are at a disadvantage because they are missing the sensory information from their missing limb.
• The weight of the leg (approximately 17% of body weight) contributes to balance, and its sudden removal can cause instability.

Psychological Impact of Limb Loss

• Limb loss results in a loss of independence, mobility, and bodily autonomy.
• Amputees are more likely to experience frustration, depression, PTSD, and suicidal ideation.
• A study by the National Survey on Drug Use and Mental Health found that nearly 16% of traumatic amputees attempt suicide, compared to 0.5% of the general population.

The "Antler" Solution: A Senior Design Project

• The speaker's friend, Nikki, a lower limb amputee, inspired the project. Nikki hadn't been able to stand in the shower for over two years.
• The speaker and her project partner, Jenna, developed the "Antler" as a senior design project at the University of Mississippi.
• Existing solutions, such as shower chairs and waterproof prosthetics, have limitations. Prosthetics are expensive, rarely waterproof, and wearing them prevents washing the residual limb.
• The design process involved:
  • Taking detailed measurements of Nikki.
  • Conducting market research.
  • Researching materials.
  • Drafting ideas.
  • Utilizing CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software.
• The result was a 3D-printed prototype of an adjustable, portable, and comfortable device that allows lower limb amputees to stand safely in the shower and wash their residual limb.
• The device is lightweight, easy to use, and accessible to individuals with varying levels of lower limb amputation.

User-Centered Design and Impact

• Nikki was actively involved in the design process, providing input on measurements, design ideas, and even color preferences (pink).
• The company was named after Nikki's service dog, Moose, hence "Antler."
• Using the Antler had a profound impact on Nikki, restoring a sense of normalcy and self.

From Class Project to Potential Business

• The project won an award in a campus business model competition, generating interest in the idea.
• The creators are working to further develop and refine the Antler.

Conclusion

• A seemingly small idea, born from a class project, has the potential to significantly improve the lives of thousands of lower limb amputees.
• The speaker emphasizes the importance of considering overlooked problems and the potential for individual ideas to have a major impact.