By Kim Ousley
For Paul Tubberville, the desire to create something that both he and other amputees could use to monitor prosthetic use—and the daily issues that come with it—felt essential.
He opted for amputation at age 20 after battling osteosarcoma in high school and spending four years on crutches. He said it was the best decision he ever made, helping him return to a more normal life for a young adult.
Fast forward 35 years, and he has released an app called GaitPulse. This new technology serves both prosthetists and amputee users by providing real-time insight into issues—before the client even steps into an appointment.
Amputees often don’t see their prosthetist until there’s pain, a poor fit, or it’s time for new components. In the meantime, a lot can change.
They try to explain what’s been happening. The prosthetist watches them walk, maybe notices they’re slightly off—but there’s often a gap in time and memory that makes it difficult to pinpoint the cause.
“For me, I wanted to know if I was improving between visits,” said Tubberville. What feels like a good fit in the office can change within days. The app eliminates the guesswork between the client and the prosthetist.
By recording daily inputs—like fit, swelling, and gait—users provide real-time data their prosthetist can access. This allows for faster adjustments before issues escalate.
Insurance adds another layer of complexity. Billing and coding for prosthetic components must be precise, or requests can be denied. For many amputees, it becomes an ongoing cycle of proving what they need to maintain quality of life.
Tubberville wanted to bridge that gap across prosthetic care. The idea came directly from his own frustration.
So what does the app actually do—and is it easy to use?
“The prosthetist can see whether their client has improved—say, 70 percent—since receiving new parts,” said Tubberville. “The client can also track their own progress, like improved gait, symmetry, or longer walking durations.”
The app can also help identify when it’s time for new liners or upgraded components, providing data that supports insurance approvals.
New features are already in development. Users will soon be able to sync with Fitbit devices and upload photos of problem areas like blisters or skin irritation.
Once downloaded, users can start with a short trial walk to see how the app tracks steps and gait. Staying active—logging walks, pain points, and component wear—helps build a clearer picture over time. That data is then shared directly with the prosthetist.
The cost is billed to prosthetists per active patient using the app. In many ways, it becomes an advocacy tool—supporting better equipment, faster approvals, and more proactive care.
Tubberville has introduced the app to amputee Zoom groups and prosthetic professionals over the past few months and has seen rapid growth.
“In the past 60 to 90 days since launch, we’ve seen significant interest and adoption,” he said. “The momentum is accelerating, and we’re genuinely excited.”
For more information, visit GaitPulse.
