Do Powered Knee Prostheses Improve Mobility for Transfemoral Amputees
Official title: Do Transfemoral Prostheses with Powered Prosthetic Knee Flexion and Extension Improve Mobility? A Biomechanical Evaluation of the Ossur Power Knee
Funded at Jesse Brown VA Medical Center · NIH-11316983 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new powered knee prosthesis with motor-assisted bending and straightening is being tested to see if it improves walking for people who have lost a leg above the knee.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Jesse Brown VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2027 |
| NIH project number | 5I01RX004541-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11316983 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with transfemoral (above-knee) amputation who use or are candidates for a powered knee prosthesis.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without transfemoral amputation or with contraindications to powered prostheses may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to evaluate the latest version of the Ossur Power Knee, a microprocessor-controlled prosthetic knee with active motor power. The study will examine how the powered knee affects walking mechanics, safety, and energy use in transfemoral amputees. Researchers will compare this device to existing prosthetic knee options using biomechanical measurements and gait analysis at the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center. The findings could inform clinicians and patients about the potential benefits and trade-offs of adopting powered knee technology in daily life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience smoother walking, better stair climbing, and reduced effort during gait.
How similar studies have gone: Previous models of powered knees showed mixed results, but newer designs may offer improved performance.
Where this research is happening
-
Jesse Brown VA Medical Center
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gard, Steven a. — Jesse Brown VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Gard, Steven a.
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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.