Exploring how powered prosthetic devices affect walking in K2-level amputees
Official title: Understanding how Powered Componentry Impacts K2-Level Transfemoral Amputee Gait
Funded at Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago D/b/a Shirley Ryan Abilitylab · NIH-10873073 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how lightweight powered knee and ankle prosthetics can help people with a leg amputation walk better, especially when it comes to tasks like climbing stairs and getting up from a chair, and it’s for individuals who currently use basic prosthetics.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago D/b/a Shirley Ryan Abilitylab NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $672,208 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD108554-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10873073 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a unilateral transfemoral amputation who are classified as K2-level ambulators and currently use a passive prosthesis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a transfemoral amputation or those classified as K3 or K4 ambulators may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of lightweight powered knee and ankle prosthetics on the walking ability of individuals with a unilateral transfemoral amputation classified as K2-level ambulators. The study aims to evaluate how these advanced devices can improve mobility tasks such as climbing stairs and transitioning from sitting to standing, while also assessing the metabolic costs associated with their use. By recruiting 20 participants who currently use passive prostheses, the research will analyze the benefits and trade-offs of using powered components in terms of gait biomechanics and functional mobility.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance the mobility and quality of life for K2-level amputees by providing them with more effective prosthetic options.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that powered prosthetic devices can significantly improve mobility in higher-level amputees, suggesting potential benefits for K2-level users as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago D/b/a Shirley Ryan Abilitylab
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hargrove, Levi John — Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago D/b/a Shirley Ryan Abilitylab
- Study coordinator: Hargrove, Levi John
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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.