Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40391346›Full record

ArticlePlastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open2025

Vibrotactile Stimulation in Lower Extremity Amputation Patients Using a Noninvasive Vibration Device: A Pilot Study.

Floris V Raasveld, Jenna Daddario, Wen-Chih Liu, Dun-Wei Huang, Rachel E Cross, Karan Amin, Arthur Graham, David Crandell, David Hao, Ian L Valerio and 1 more

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

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Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

11 authors.

Floris V RaasveldFrom the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
Jenna DaddarioFrom the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
Wen-Chih LiuHand and Arm Center, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
Dun-Wei HuangHand and Arm Center, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
Rachel E CrossHand and Arm Center, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
Karan AminHand and Arm Center, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
Arthur GrahamNext Step Bionics & Prosthetics, Inc, Newton, MA.
David CrandellDepartment of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA.
David HaoDepartment of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
Ian L ValerioFrom the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
Kyle R EberlinFrom the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Background: Advances in surgery and prosthetic technology have improved limb control for amputation patients, but restoring sensory and proprioceptive feedback remains a challenge. This study evaluated the application of a vibrotactile sensory feedback device that aims at enhancing gait and reducing phantom limb pain (PLP) in lower extremity (LE) amputation patients who have undergone targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR). Methods: Four male LE amputation patients, 25-68 years of age, who underwent primary TMR, were fitted with a vibrotactile device using pressure sensors located on the sole of the prosthesis and a vibrating actuator on the proximal LE. This device incorporates vibrational stimuli when walking in a prosthesis for real-time sensory and proprioceptive feedback. Participants used the device alongside their regular prosthesis for 31 days. Pain, function, mental health, and satisfaction metrics were assessed using the visual analog scale, patient-reported outcomes measurement information system surveys, and various gait tests at baseline and follow-up. Baseline demographic, surgery, and comorbidity data were collected from chart review. Results: Three of 4 patients reported reduction in PLP and improvements in gait and device satisfaction. One young patient, who was highly active, showed limited improvement compared with the others. One patient experienced a reduction in anxiety and depression. Conclusions: The vibrotactile feedback device demonstrated potential in improving PLP and gait among LE amputation patients who underwent primary TMR. Patient activity levels and psychological factors likely play important roles in the clinical effectiveness of the device. Future studies should focus on personalizing interventions based on patient profiles and exploring long-term benefits.

Identifiers

PMID40391346
PMCPMC12088635

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.