Development of a Music-Based Wearable Biofeedback System to Improve Lower Limb Prosthesis User Gait Symmetry
Year: 2026
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Lower-limb prosthesis users (LLPUs) often exhibit temporal gait asymmetry (TGA), which may contribute to the development of chronic musculoskeletal conditions. Access to conventional interventions, such as clinic-based gait training, is frequently limited. Wearable biofeedback systems could supplement conventional training by providing opportunities for community-based rehabilitation. Biofeedback systems that employ rhythmic auditory stimulation, specifically music-based strategies, offer potential advantages for targeting LLPU gait asymmetry. This thesis presents the development and evaluation of a wearable system that employs three music-based feedback strategies designed to reduce TGA. A mixed cohort of LLPUs and able-bodied participants with weight-induced asymmetry completed baseline walking trials, followed by feedback and no-feedback RAS conditions. Results demonstrated that rhythmic auditory stimulation improved temporal symmetry relative to baseline walking, while feedback strategies influenced secondary gait parameters, enjoyment, and perceived workload. Findings support the feasibility of music-based biofeedback for prosthetic gait training and highlight the need for personalized, user-centred designs to optimize clinical outcomes and long-term usability.
Source: TSpace (University of Toronto)
Author: Silva, Adolfo Sebastian
Language: English
Subfield: Biomedical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7203960501