Scientific Context The
PEPR REINVENT project investigates the integration of phantom limb phenomena (voluntary phantom movements, induced sensations) into prosthetic control to render prosthesis use more intuitive and reduce cognitive load.
More than 95% of amputees experience complex phantom sensations (shape, position, voluntary movements).
Although very common, these non-painful phenomena have been understudied in rehabilitation.
Challenges & Key Issues Current scientific and medical methods and metrics fail to adequately capture the complexity and subjective nature of phantom limb perception.
The lack of a shared vocabulary and representations constitutes a major barrier to effective communication between amputees, healthcare providers, neuroscientists, and prosthetic engineers.
Postdoctoral Researcher's MissionsThe researcher will be tasked with exploring new ways of representing and communicating phantom limb experiences to facilitate dialogue between amputees and non-amputees.
Key activities will include: • Organizing and facilitating focus groups bringing together amputees, engineers, and physical and rehabilitation medicine physicians.
• Translating subjective bodily experiences into forms that are understandable and actionable for prosthetic development and rehabilitation teams.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration with several partner rehabilitation centers across France.
Mobility and Logistics The position involves travel and multi-day stays at partner rehabilitation centers across France.
Travel expenses and focus group organization costs are fully covered by the project.