︎ Prosthetic Rental and Rehabilitation Hub
A Center for Exercise and Nutritional Support for Patients with Diabetes
By Ruixie Yang ︎
Hypothesis
The research persona, Ladonna Thomas, currently relies heavily on a wheelchair and her partner for daily life. If she can attend the prosthetic experience community 3–4 days per week for exercise and social interaction, it is expected to improve her physical and mental well-being, while also providing relief for her partner.
The research persona, Ladonna Thomas, currently relies heavily on a wheelchair and her partner for daily life. If she can attend the prosthetic experience community 3–4 days per week for exercise and social interaction, it is expected to improve her physical and mental well-being, while also providing relief for her partner.
- Why
Diabetic amputees have an approximate f ive-year survival rate of 50%, and longterm reliance on wheelchairs can lead to muscle atrophy, joint stiffness, and social isolation, severely affecting their quality of life and participation in society. The use of prosthetics can help restore mobility and independence, improving physical health, mental well-being, and social engagement.
- How
Design establishes a prosthetic rental and trial center near the community, encouraging diabetic amputees to regain mobility. It includes exercise spaces and a dining area with diabetic-friendly menus, creating a place that promotes health and a sense of belonging.
- What
The proposed approach allows users to submit their amputation measurements, preferred prosthetic styles, and personal exercise and dietary habits through a mobile app. Staff then prepare tailored prosthetic trial options, provide guidance for physical activity, and offer personalized dietary recommendations.
- So What
The expected outcome is to provide a safe space for wheelchair-bound diabetic amputees to walk and exercise using prosthetics. Beyond prosthetic trials or rentals, the focus is on promoting social interaction and alleviating psychological stress through physical activity and nutrition, creating a community environment filled with hope and positive energy.
The Link Between Design and Outcomes
This project aims to create a community-based center for diabetic amputees, focusing on prosthetic rental and trial experiences, exercise, and nutrition. Wheelchair use often confines diabetic amputees to their homes, reducing physical activity and increasing risks such as blood clots, while also limiting social interaction. By situating the center close to the community, participants can easily access it, try prosthetics, engage in physical activity, and socialize with peers and the broader community, helping them cope with limb loss and maintain mental well-being. Families of participants may also benefit from reduced caregiving stress. The center integrates a mobile app through which users submit basic prosthetic information, exercise preferences, and dietary habits. The staff then prepare tailored prosthetic trial options. Participants typically spend an afternoon at the center, selecting and trying prosthetics, engaging in exercise activities adapted to their health conditions, and then visiting the dining area for meals and blood sugar monitoring, while interacting with peers. The app also includes a community feature, allowing users to connect with others who have similar experiences, fostering social support networks.
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