Does a smart knee prosthesis improve mobility and life quality for veterans with above-knee amputation
Official title: Does a Microprocessor-Controlled Prosthetic Knee Joint Improve Mobility and Quality of Life in K2-Level Veteran Ambulators?
Funded at Jesse Brown VA Medical Center · NIH-11237858 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A microprocessor-controlled knee could help veterans with above-knee amputations move more easily and feel better about daily life.
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 | October 1, 2026 |
| Project end | September 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| NIH project number | 1I01RD000446-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11237858 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal participants are veterans with transfemoral (above-knee) amputation who use or could benefit from a microprocessor-controlled knee prosthesis.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without a transfemoral amputation or those not suitable for MPK fitting may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This project looks at how an MPK can help people who have a transfemoral amputation by adjusting knee resistance in real-time to improve walking stability. It considers balance, confidence, and the overall impact on daily activities and well-being, especially for veterans who face higher risks of falls. The study builds on prior evidence that MPKs may improve walking speed, reduce cognitive effort, and lower fall risk, and it tests these benefits in a population with functional needs. Participants would undergo device fitting and gait assessment to determine if the MPK provides meaningful improvements in mobility and quality of life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, veterans with transfemoral amputations could experience safer, steadier walking and a better sense of independence in daily life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown MPKs can improve walking speed and reduce falls, suggesting potential for meaningful gains in this group.
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.