Improving balance control for individuals with lower-limb amputations using adjustable prosthetic foot stiffness
Official title: Automatic mode-dependent and phase-varying prosthetic foot stiffness modulation to improve balance control in individuals with lower-limb amputations
Funded at University of Texas at Austin · NIH-10882682 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new type of prosthetic foot that can change its stiffness depending on what you're doing, like walking or turning, to help people with lower-limb amputations stay balanced and reduce their risk of falling.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $445,170 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HD111514-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10882682 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with lower-limb amputations who use prosthetic devices and are at risk of falling.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have lower-limb amputations or those who do not use prosthetic devices may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how an innovative prosthetic foot can automatically adjust its stiffness based on the activity being performed, such as walking or turning. Individuals with lower-limb amputations often face challenges with balance, leading to a higher risk of falls. By utilizing advanced technology, the study aims to enhance the stability and support provided by prosthetic devices, making them more responsive to the user's needs during daily activities. The goal is to significantly reduce fall risk and improve overall mobility for these individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective prosthetic devices that enhance balance and reduce the risk of falls for individuals with lower-limb amputations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using adjustable stiffness in prosthetics, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Neptune, Richard R — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Neptune, Richard R
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Movement-Enhanced Walking Training to Improve Balance After Stroke
A specialized treadmill training using a cable-driven device, called Movement Amplification Environment (MAE), helps people with chronic stroke improve walking balance by enhancing their own movement awareness.
-
Phase 2b trial of dengue vaccines TAK-003 and Butantan-DV to boost lasting, broad antibody protection
A trial tests whether giving a second dengue vaccine (Butantan-DV) after an initial TAK-003 shot can create stronger, longer-lasting antibodies that work against all dengue types.
-
Aging and aspirin: a long-term look at cancer, heart health, and brain risks
A large study at a top hospital will follow older adults to understand how low-dose aspirin influences cancer, heart disease, and brain health over many years.
-
CBD and brain signals: how cannabidiol may rebalance nerve signals in kids with epilepsy
A small, child-focused research project will explore how CBD could help balance brain signals and reduce seizures in young children with difficult-to-treat epilepsy.
-
A Balanced Reach Training Platform to Help Balance in Older Veterans
A new training program uses balance challenges to improve posture and movement in older veterans who are at risk of falls.
-
Balanced Reach Training to Improve Balance for Older and Neurologically Disabled Veterans
This project uses a progressive reach‑at‑your‑limits training program to help older and neurologically disabled Veterans strengthen balance and lower fall risk.
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.