Improving control of powered prosthetic legs for above-knee amputees
Controlling Locomotion over Continuously Varying Activities for Agile Powered Prosthetic Legs
This study is working on making prosthetic legs better by helping them move more naturally and adapt to different walking situations, like going uphill or walking faster, so that amputees can enjoy a smoother and more comfortable experience in their everyday lives.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10993178 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance the functionality of powered above-knee prostheses by modeling human joint biomechanics during various activities. It focuses on developing adaptive control systems that allow prosthetic legs to respond dynamically to different walking conditions, such as speed and incline. By utilizing machine learning techniques, the project seeks to create a continuous model of joint impedance, which will improve the interaction between the prosthesis and the user. This approach aims to provide a more natural and effective experience for amputees in their daily activities.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have undergone above-knee amputation and are seeking improved mobility solutions.
Not a fit: Patients with below-knee amputations or those who do not use prosthetic devices may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to prosthetic legs that allow above-knee amputees to move more naturally and perform daily tasks with greater ease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research in adaptive control of prosthetics has shown promise, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in prosthetic technology.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gregg, Robert D — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Gregg, Robert D
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.