Descriptive Study of Receptive Fields in Lower Limb Amputees

Descriptive Study of Receptive Fields in Lower Limb Amputees and the Effect of a Related Stimulation System on Selected Gait Parameters

It has been observed that patients subjected to amputations develop so called receptive fields, which time of occurrence and localization over time are yet not examined systematically.

This clinical trial aims to investigate the reliability in detecting these receptive fields as well as their incidence and changes over time.

Further it aims to evaluate the acute effect of a stimulating system ("Phantom Stimulator" (Cort X Sensorics, Spaichingen, Germany)) on selected gait parameters measured tough a gait analysis system ("OprtoGait" (Microgate, Bolzano, Italy)) as well as on phantom sensations measured through a questionnaire.

It has been observed that patients subjected to amputations develop so called receptive fields, which time of occurrence and localization over time are yet not examined systematically.

A receptive field is defined as skin area anywhere on the same side of the body as the amputation, which when stimulated by others, causes phantom sensations in the amputated extremity.

This clinical trial aims to investigate the reliability in detecting these receptive fields as well as their incidence and changes over time.

Further it aims to evaluate the acute effect of the stimulating system ("Phantom Stimulator" (Cort X Sensorics, Spaichingen, Germany)) on selected gait parameters measured tough a gait analysis system ("OprtoGait" (Microgate, Bolzano, Italy)) as well as on phantom sensations measured through a questionnaire.

1. Inclusion criteria for descriptive study:

   a. Lower limb amputation (independently of side or height of amputation)

2. Inclusion criteria for Phantom stimulator:

   1. Receptive fields present at testing day 31 (last regular assessment of the receptive fields)
   2. Lower limb amputation below the knee (if both sides the system is applied to the dominant side).

3. Exclusion criteria:

   1. Implanted devices (defibrillator or pacemaker)
   2. Pregnancy