The Limb Loss and Difference Lab is part of the

Physical Therapy Department and Center for Anatomical Sciences

at the University of North Texas Health Science Center

in Fort Worth, Texas.

We study the perspectives, biomechanics, and musculoskeletal health of people with limb loss (amputation) and difference (congenital)

to improve clinical care.

The lab has students from both clinical and research-focused programs. To learn more about programs at the University of North Texas Health Science Center, please visit the DPT, MS and PhD, and TCOM pages.

PERSPECTIVES

• Ethics and perceptions of technology
• Preferred terminology (disability v. identity-first terms)
• Contracted with the Amputee Coalition for program assessment

Methods include surveys, interviews, and focus groups.

Publication Links:

• Advances in prosthetic technology: a perspective on ethical considerations for development and clinical translation.
• Ethical considerations for digital health technology in older adult care.

GAIT BIOMECHANICS

• Use of wearable sensors in clinical practice
• Gait asymmetry and fall risk
• Gait asymmetry and clinical outcome measure scores

Methods include wearable sensors (IMUs, pressure insoles, and EMG).

Publication Links:

• A pilot case series to concurrently validate inertial measurement units and motion capture equipment in individuals who use unilateral lower-limb prostheses.
  
• Clinical evaluation of fall risk in older individuals who use lower-limb prostheses: a scoping review.
  
• Normalization of kinematic walking symmetry data to inform clinical considerations for individuals who use lower-limb prostheses.
  

LOWER-LIMB ANATOMY

• Musculoskeletal asymmetry within individuals
• Musculoskeletal health between etiologies
• Musculoskeletal health and gait mechanics

Methods include anatomical imaging, ImageJ, 3D Slicer, and histology.

Publication Links:

• Indications of musculoskeletal health in deceased male individuals with lower-limb amputations: comparison to non-amputee and diabetic controls.
  
• A review of musculoskeletal adaptations in individuals following major lower-limb amputation.
  
• Skeletal asymmetries in anatomical donors with lower-limb amputations.
  

Dr. Graci Finco is currently an Assistant Professor in Physical Therapy, with a secondary appointment in Center for Anatomical Sciences, at the University of North Texas Health Science Center. She is also on the Board of Directors for the O&P Foundation, which distributes scholarships for students, clinicians, and researchers in orthotics and prosthetics.

Funding:

• 2023 - ongoing. $50k/year. Annual contract with the Amputee Coalition for program improvement. Primarily surveys, interviews, and focus groups.
  
• 2021 - 2022. $14k. AOPA/COPL Award: Wearable Sensors in Prosthetic Practice: Can Walking Symmetry Supplement Clinical Measures to Assess Fall Risk?
  
• 2020 - 2022. $25k/year. NIH NIA T32 Award: Quantifying Musculoskeletal Asymmetries in Older Adults with Amputation.
  

want to learn more?

Email Dr. Graci Finco, PhD, CPO at

Graci.Finco@unthsc.edu