Identifying fall risks in users of lower limb prosthetics through gait analysis
Official title: Predictive Gait-Based Biomarkers for Fall Risk in Lower-Limb Prosthesis Users
Funded at Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago D/b/a Shirley Ryan Abilitylab · NIH-10860071 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to find better ways to predict fall risks for people using leg prosthetics by watching how they walk, so we can help keep them safe and prevent falls.
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 | September 2, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $666,688 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HD114776-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10860071 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who use lower limb prosthetics and are at risk of falling.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use lower limb prosthetics or have stable mobility without fall risk may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a new method for predicting fall risks in individuals who use lower limb prosthetics by analyzing their gait patterns. Using advanced markerless motion capture technology, the study will collect detailed movement data from 150 participants during clinical visits. The goal is to identify specific biomechanical factors that contribute to falls and compare these findings with traditional assessment methods. By creating a reliable screening protocol, the research seeks to enhance fall prevention strategies for this high-risk group.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved fall prevention strategies, reducing injuries and enhancing the quality of life for lower limb prosthesis users.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using gait analysis for fall risk prediction, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago D/b/a Shirley Ryan Abilitylab
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cotton, Ronald James — Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago D/b/a Shirley Ryan Abilitylab
- Study coordinator: Cotton, Ronald James
Related research
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A floor-mounted vibration system aims to detect falls and changes in walking in older adults, including people with dementia, so help can arrive faster and injuries can be reduced.
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Predicting Fall Risk for People Using Lower-Limb Prostheses
This project aims to find better ways to predict who might fall among people who use lower-limb prostheses by studying their walking patterns.
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SmartGait: a smartphone AI tool to predict fall risk for older adults
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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.