
Revolutionary New Tool Measures Performance of Bone-Anchored Prosthesis Users!
2025-05-23
Author: Wei Ling
Groundbreaking Development in Prosthetic Performance Measurement
A team at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus has unveiled a groundbreaking test designed to measure both the donning time and mobility of lower-limb amputees using prosthetics. This innovative assessment reveals that bone-anchored prostheses (BAL) are not only faster to wear compared to traditional socket-style options but also opens the door to a plethora of benefits for users.
What Sets COLD-TUG Apart?
Dubbed the Colorado Limb Donning-Timed Up and Go (COLD-TUG) test, this validated tool combines the time it takes for an amputee to put on their prosthesis with the time needed to complete a mobility task. Lead researcher Dr. Mohamed Awad emphasizes that this dual measurement approach addresses a crucial gap in performance-based testing specifically tailored for lower-extremity amputees.
Enhancing Quality of Life for Amputees
For years, users of BAL prosthetics have reported enhanced comfort, improved balance, and increased activity compared to their socket-style counterparts. Yet, until now, solid evidence on how these differences affect quality of life was scant. The COLD-TUG test not only fills this void but validates the experiences of amputees who have long praised the benefits of BAL technology.
A Closer Look at the Study
The study, recently published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, evaluated 31 patients with unilateral lower extremity amputations—15 with socket-style prostheses and 16 with BAL prostheses. Astonishingly, BAL users donned their prosthetics an impressive 61 seconds faster than those using traditional options.
Saving Time, Gaining Confidence
Dr. Awad notes that the average amputee might don and doff their prosthetic device up to 15 times a day. Saving almost a minute each time translates into hours saved over time—time that can be utilized for living actively rather than simply getting ready to move. This newfound efficiency is poised to boost amputation patients' confidence and overall activity levels.
The Future of Prosthetic Care
According to Dr. Jason Stoneback, the study's senior author, the COLD-TUG test represents a vital step forward for the field of orthopedic care, calling it a game changer. With an increasing number of patients opting for BAL prosthetics globally, ensuring healthcare providers have access to validated performance measures is essential.
"We’re not just measuring speed; we’re capturing what matters most to amputees," he states. The introduction of COLD-TUG not only enhances the selection process for prosthetic care but enriches the lives of those who use them.