Improving Balance for People with Lower-Limb Amputations Using Smart Prosthetic Feet
Automatic mode-dependent and phase-varying prosthetic foot stiffness modulation to improve balance control in individuals with lower-limb amputations
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN · NIH-11141236
This project is developing a new type of prosthetic foot that automatically adjusts its stiffness to help people with lower-limb amputations walk more safely and prevent falls.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (AUSTIN, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11141236 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Many people with lower-limb amputations face a higher risk of falling because they've lost the natural ankle muscles that help with balance. Current prosthetic feet often have a fixed stiffness, which isn't ideal for all activities like walking straight or turning. This project aims to create a prosthetic foot that can automatically change its stiffness to match different movements. By adapting to your activity, this smart prosthetic could significantly improve your balance and reduce your chances of falling during daily life.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be individuals with lower-limb amputations who experience balance issues and are interested in testing advanced prosthetic foot technology.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have lower-limb amputations or those who do not experience balance control difficulties related to their prosthesis may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this technology could greatly enhance balance control and reduce the risk of falls for individuals with lower-limb amputations, leading to greater independence and safety.
How similar studies have performed: While current prosthetic devices have limitations in actively adjusting stiffness for balance, this project proposes a novel approach to automatic modulation based on the understanding that optimal stiffness varies.
Where this research is happening
AUSTIN, UNITED STATES
- 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
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.