Improving Balance and Stability with Smart Prosthetic Ankles
Toward Restoration of Normative Postural Control and Stability using Neural Control of Powered Prosthetic Ankles
This project aims to help people with lower limb amputations regain better balance and prevent falls by using advanced prosthetic ankles controlled by their own nerves.
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 ID | NIH-11126757 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many individuals with lower limb amputations experience falls and fear falling, especially during everyday activities like standing up or turning. Current prosthetic devices often don't allow for natural balance control, leading people to use compensatory movements that can cause other health issues. This research explores how new powered prosthetic ankles, guided by signals from a person's own nervous system, can restore more natural body movements. The goal is to give individuals with amputations more stability and confidence in their daily lives.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for future applications of this research would be individuals with lower limb amputations, particularly those who struggle with balance and fear of falling.
Not a fit: Patients without lower limb amputations or those whose balance issues stem from conditions unrelated to prosthetic use may not directly benefit from this specific technology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could significantly reduce falls and improve the ability of individuals with lower limb amputations to perform daily activities with greater ease and confidence.
How similar studies have performed: While current research often focuses on walking efficiency, this project takes a novel approach by specifically targeting balance and postural control using neural-controlled prosthetics.
Where this research is happening
Raleigh, United States
- North Carolina State University Raleigh — Raleigh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huang, He — North Carolina State University Raleigh
- Study coordinator: Huang, He
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 below.