# An Easy-to-use, iNtelligent, Affordable LinEr (ENABLE) System for Socket Fit Assessment

> **NIH NIH R21** · NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY RALEIGH · 2022 · $222,625

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Lower limb amputees rely on prosthetic sockets as the interface with their prosthetic legs. The prosthetic sockets
only work well if they fit residual limbs of amputees perfectly. Unfitted sockets cause various health issues for
lower limb amputees and could significantly limit amputees’ functionality. Currently, prosthetists lack the
capability to diagnose socket fit during the socket fitting procedure, which limits their capability to customize
the sockets for better fit. The proposed Easy-to-use, iNtelligent, Affordable LinEr (ENABLE) System for Socket
Fit Assessment（ENABLE） system will be used as a diagnosis tool for prosthetists. Based on a novel material,
which changes color based on loaded pressure, this Enable system will permit prosthetists to evaluate the socket
fit by observing the pressure distribution on the residual limb directly. During the proposed project, we will
develop the smart liner system and test it through both bench tests and human subject tests. We will also validate
that prosthetists will be able to use the smart liner to make appropriate socket fit diagnosis through simulated
clinical cases.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10457446
- **Project number:** 5R21HD106658-02
- **Recipient organization:** NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY RALEIGH
- **Principal Investigator:** Ming Liu
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $222,625
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2021-08-01 → 2025-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10457446

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10457446, An Easy-to-use, iNtelligent, Affordable LinEr (ENABLE) System for Socket Fit Assessment (5R21HD106658-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10457446. Licensed CC0.

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