Creating a prosthetic foot that can be used for both walking and running.
Official title: The Development of a Bimodal Walking-Running Prosthetic Foot
Funded at Liberating Technologies, INC. · NIH-10931657 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a special prosthetic foot for people who have lost a leg, so they can easily switch between walking and running, helping them stay active and enjoy sports like basketball.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Liberating Technologies, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Holliston, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $817,726 |
| NIH project number | 5R44HD113432-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10931657 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are lower limb amputees who are interested in participating in running or sports activities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have lower limb amputations or those who are not interested in physical activities may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a bimodal prosthetic foot designed for lower limb amputees, allowing them to switch between walking and running modes. The project involves refining the foot's design, conducting verification testing, and validating its performance through pilot trials. By optimizing the foot for both activities, the aim is to enhance physical fitness and social participation for amputees, particularly in sports like basketball. The research will also explore insurance coverage options to ensure accessibility for users.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide lower limb amputees with a versatile prosthetic foot that enhances their ability to engage in physical activities and improve their overall health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing specialized prosthetic devices, indicating potential for success with this innovative approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Liberating Technologies, INC.
Holliston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Johansson, Jennifer Lynne — Liberating Technologies, INC.
- Study coordinator: Johansson, Jennifer Lynne
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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.