A device to help choose the best prosthetic foot for individuals.
Official title: A new clinical device to enable informed prosthesis prescription decision-making.
Funded at Northeastern University · NIH-11059221 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new tool that helps people with limb loss try out different prosthetic feet to find the one that feels best for them, making it easier to choose the right fit and improve their overall experience.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northeastern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $240,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R21EB035665-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11059221 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have undergone lower limb amputation and are in need of a prosthetic foot.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not candidates for prosthetic limbs or those with upper limb amputations may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new device called the Ankle-Foot Optimization Tool (A-FOOT) that aims to improve the process of selecting the most suitable prosthetic foot for individuals with limb loss. The device will replicate the mechanical behaviors of various prosthetic feet, allowing patients to experience how different options feel and perform before making a decision. By addressing the challenges of the current prescription process, this project seeks to enhance patient outcomes and reduce complications associated with sub-optimal prosthesis fittings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better-fitting prosthetic feet, improving mobility and quality of life for amputees.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using a robotic device for prosthetic selection is innovative, similar technologies have shown promise in improving prosthetic outcomes in other contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
Northeastern University
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shepherd, Max — Northeastern University
- Study coordinator: Shepherd, Max
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.