Automatically adjusting socket for below-knee prostheses
Official title: An automatically-adjusting prosthetic socket for people with transtibial amputation
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11320787 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A prosthetic socket that automatically changes size to keep a comfortable, stable fit for people with below-knee (transtibial) amputations.
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 | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $602,108 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD103815-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11320787 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with transtibial (below-knee) amputation who use a prosthetic socket and experience changing socket fit or limb volume and who can attend device testing are ideal candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People with above-knee amputations, those who do not use a socket, or individuals unable to participate in device testing or follow study procedures are unlikely to benefit from this project.
What this research studies
This project aims to give you a socket that shifts its internal size on its own so your residual limb stays comfortable and stable. The team is adding a small remote key fob and two automatic adjustment modes: one for short walking bouts and one to help limb fluid volume recover while sitting. They will refine the device and algorithms with lab testing using people with transtibial amputation and prosthetists, then test the full system in daily life in three modes: automatic, manual, and locked. Feedback from participants and clinicians will guide engineering updates between clinical tests.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the automatic socket could reduce daily fit hassles, protect limb health, and improve independence and quality of life for below-knee amputees.
How similar studies have gone: The research team has previously developed an auto-adjusting socket prototype and early work showed promise, and this project builds on that with a smaller key fob and new algorithms.
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
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AMPDECIDE: Helping Veterans choose amputation level with personalized outcome information
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Thermoregulation and tissue health in leg-amputee patients
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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.