How prosthetic foot and ankle stiffness affects walking and standing in amputees
Official title: Effect of Prosthetic Foot-Ankle Stiffness on Standing and Walking Performance in Transfemoral Prosthesis Users
Funded at Jesse Brown VA Medical Center · NIH-10910022 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different stiffness levels in prosthetic foot and ankle joints can help people with leg amputations stand and walk better, so we can find the best options for fitting prosthetics to each person's needs and improve their mobility.
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, 2022 |
| Project end | September 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01RX003768-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10910022 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have undergone transfemoral amputation and use a prosthetic limb.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not undergone transfemoral amputation or those who do not use a prosthetic limb may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how different levels of stiffness in prosthetic foot and ankle joints impact the ability of transfemoral prosthesis users to stand and walk effectively. By systematically varying the stiffness of these components, the study aims to identify optimal combinations that enhance performance while maintaining knee stability. The findings will help create guidelines for prosthetists to better fit prosthetic devices to individual needs, ultimately improving mobility for amputees. Participants will engage in assessments that measure their walking and standing capabilities with various prosthetic configurations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prosthetic designs that enhance mobility and quality of life for amputees.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in optimizing prosthetic designs, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
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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.
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.