The aim of the study is to investigate the influence of a vibro-tactile device on trans-tibial amputees in terms of gait, pain and perception of the prosthesis.

The study is divided into three phases. The initial phase lasts 6 to 8 weeks for each subject. For subjects of group 2 the length of the initial phase depends on the progression of the re-innervation. The initial phase ends, when the subject can perceive the tactile stimulate at the re-innervated area of the skin. During the initial phase, all subjects get a new prosthesis. To minimize the adjusting to the new prosthesis only a new socket, which houses the vibro-tactile Feedback system, is fabricated and the old prosthetic food is re-used. After a period of 3 weeks minimum, where the subjects use the new prosthesis, a gait analysis and an assessment of the sensitivity of the skin at the stump are performed.

Subsequently the intervention phase starts and the vibro-tactile feedback system is activated. For a period of 6 months the subjects use the new prostheses with the integrated vibro-tactile feedback system in daily living. After 2 and 4 months, the subjects visit the study site for an assessment of the sensitivity of the skin. After 6 months a second gait analysis and an other assessment of the sensitivity of the skin a the stump are performed. Afterwards the vibro-tactile feedback-system is disabled.

During the observing phase the subjects use the prosthesis with the disabled vibro-tactile feedback system for 4 months.

During all three phases the subjects answer the questionnaires every 2 months.

Inclusion Criteria:

• unilateral trans-tibial amputation
• uses a prostheses already for more than 1 year
• sufficient touch sensitivity at the stump
• unimpaired contralateral lower extremity

Exclusion Criteria:

• psychiatric disorder
• cognitive restrictions
• pregnant or breast feeding women

All IPD from the mentioned outcome parameters are planned to be made available to other researchers.

upon publication in a scientific journal