Job Description

Project Title: Real-World Monitoring of Lower Limb Prosthesis Usage: Enhancing Prescription and Rehabilitation through Embedded Sensor Technology

Project Description:

This PhD research project aims to enhance our understanding of lower limb prosthesis usage in real world environments and improve both the prescription of prostheses and the rehabilitation process for amputees. The project will focus on the development and implementation of a sensor system embedded in the prosthesis to monitor physical behaviour and prosthesis usage in free-living environments.

The project will incorporate the following aspects:

• Investigate and refine existing methods for monitoring prosthetic usage using sensors attached to the intact limb\'s thigh. Analyse the feasibility, accuracy, and reliability of these methods in various real-world conditions.
• Develop and validate a model that accurately classifies postures (sitting, standing, stepping, and lying) using data from a single shank-worn accelerometer embedded within the prosthesis. The model should consider various prosthetic devices, user demographics, and activity levels to ensure its applicability across a diverse population of lower limb amputees.
• Conduct a comprehensive analysis of real-world data collected from lower limb prosthetic users to understand how different prosthetic devices impact physical behaviour and daily activities. Identify patterns of usage and potential areas for improvement in both the prescription of prosthetic devices and the rehabilitation process.

This project aims to improve our understanding of prosthesis usage and its impact on users, ultimately leading to more effective prescription and rehabilitation processes for lower-limb amputees.

The ideal candidate for this PhD research project should have a strong background in biomedical engineering, computer science, data science, or a related field. Prior experience with sensor technology, signal processing, machine learning, and algorithm development is highly desirable. Additionally, knowledge of healthcare and rehabilitation technology, specifically in the context of lower limb prosthetics, is advantageous.

Entry Requirements: Applicants are normally expected to achieve either:

• a minimum of an upper-second class honours degree from an undergraduate course in an appropriate physical or biological science, science, mathematics or engineering

or

• a clinical qualification related to prosthetics, orthotics and the other relevant allied health disciplines, with additional evidence of skills in engineering and physical sciences (e.g. biomechanics, human gait)

It will be run as part of the Centre for Doctoral Training in Prosthetics and Orthotics ( ). The successful candidate will have access to unique training program and engage with students from multidisciplinary backgrounds. The student will also be supported by a supervisory team with multidisciplinary expertise in this field and well-equipped facilities.

How to apply: For further information on the CDT and how to apply please visit the CDT website:

A selection of the current students and projects may be found at

Informal enquiries about how to apply may be directed to

Due to funding restrictions, this scholarship is open to applicants eligible to pay tuition fees at the UK rate only, as defined by .

\xc2\xa318,622. For UK students, Tuition Fees and a stipend, tax-free, per annum, for up to 4 years

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