A prosthetic socket that automatically adjusts for amputees
Official title: An automatically-adjusting prosthetic socket for people with transtibial amputation
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11061891 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new type of prosthetic socket for people with below-the-knee amputations that automatically adjusts to fit comfortably while they walk or sit, making it easier for them to stay active and enjoy life without constantly worrying about their fit.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | July 12, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $612,213 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD103815-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11061891 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with transtibial amputation who use prosthetic limbs.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a transtibial amputation or those who do not use prosthetic limbs may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a prosthetic socket for individuals with transtibial amputation that automatically adjusts its size to ensure a proper fit and stabilize limb volume. The innovative design includes a remote key fob interface and two new algorithms that manage socket adjustments during different activities, such as walking and sitting. By relieving users from the need to constantly monitor and adjust their prosthetic fit, this technology aims to enhance their independence and overall quality of life. The effectiveness of the socket will be tested in real-life environments, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of its performance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the comfort and functionality of prosthetic limbs for amputees, leading to better health outcomes and enhanced daily living.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing adjustable prosthetic devices, but this specific approach with auto-adjusting technology is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sanders, Joan E. — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Sanders, Joan E.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Spinal muscle targets to improve mobility after leg amputation
A study with adults who’ve had a lower-leg amputation will look at how spinal muscle weakness and fat in the back muscles relate to mobility, with the aim of guiding rehabilitation choices.
-
Bone and skin movement inside prosthetic sockets for below-knee amputees
This project uses moving X-ray and CT-based 3D models to measure how bones, skin, and liners move inside the prosthetic socket of people with below-knee amputations during walking and other activities.
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Surgical strategies to prevent and reduce amputation pain
This project tests how two nerve-sparing techniques can prevent or lessen phantom and residual limb pain in people who have or will have amputations, especially veterans.
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Improving how we measure physical function for people using artificial arms
Aimed at making it easier and more accurate to track how well people with upper limb prostheses move and function in daily life.
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AMPDECIDE: Helping Veterans choose amputation level with personalized outcome information
A doctor helps a veteran facing leg amputation learn personalized risks and likely outcomes for different amputation levels to guide their care choices.
-
Thermoregulation and tissue health in leg-amputee patients
This grant looks at how skin temperature and mechanical factors during walking affect tissue health and risk of sores in people with a leg amputation, especially those with diabetes.
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.