Improving footwear options for women veterans with amputations
Official title: Impact of Improving Footwear Options for Women Veterans with Amputations
Funded at Minneapolis VA Medical Center · NIH-11176068 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about making prosthetic feet better for women veterans who have had amputations, by creating a new ankle system that lets them easily switch between different styles of 3D-printed feet to match their favorite shoes, helping them feel more comfortable and confident in their daily lives.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Minneapolis VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01RX004256-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11176068 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women veterans who have experienced leg amputations and are seeking improved prosthetic solutions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have amputations or those who are not veterans may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the prosthetic experience for women veterans who have undergone amputations. It aims to develop a modular prosthetic ankle system that allows for interchangeable 3D-printed feet, accommodating various footwear styles, including different heel heights and widths. By addressing the limitations of traditional prosthetic feet, the project seeks to improve the fit, comfort, and aesthetic appeal of prostheses, ultimately enhancing the daily lives of women veterans. Participants will be involved in assessing how these innovations impact their body image and community participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the quality of life for women veterans by providing them with more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing footwear options.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in the use of 3D printing technology for prosthetics, indicating that this approach could lead to successful outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
Minneapolis VA Medical Center
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hansen, Andrew H. — Minneapolis VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Hansen, Andrew H.
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.