Improving balance and stability for amputees using advanced prosthetic ankles
Official title: Toward Restoration of Normative Postural Control and Stability using Neural Control of Powered Prosthetic Ankles
Funded at North Carolina State University Raleigh · NIH-10900632 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how new powered prosthetic ankles can help people with lower limb amputations stay balanced and avoid falls during everyday activities, so they can move around more easily and enjoy a better quality of life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | North Carolina State University Raleigh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Raleigh, United States) |
| Project start | August 7, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $613,496 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD110519-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10900632 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with lower limb amputations, particularly those who experience difficulties with balance and stability.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have lower limb amputations or those who have other severe mobility impairments unrelated to prosthetic use may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing postural control and stability for individuals with lower limb amputation (LLA) through the development of powered prosthetic ankles. The project aims to address the high incidence of falls among amputees during daily activities that require balance adjustments, such as standing up or turning. By utilizing recent advancements in prosthetic technology and neural interfacing, the research seeks to enable amputees to regain natural postural control strategies, thereby improving their overall mobility and quality of life. The methodology includes assessing the effectiveness of these advanced prosthetic devices in real-world scenarios to ensure they meet the needs of users.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce falls and improve the independence of amputees in their daily activities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using advanced prosthetic technologies to improve mobility, but this specific focus on balance and postural control is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
North Carolina State University Raleigh
Raleigh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huang, He — North Carolina State University Raleigh
- Study coordinator: Huang, He
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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.