Improving how we measure physical function in people with upper limb amputations
Official title: Advancing measurement of physical function in upper limb amputation
Funded at Providence VA Medical Center · NIH-10923928 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about improving how we measure how well upper limb prostheses help people with arm amputations, so we can better understand their daily function and make sure they’re getting the support they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Providence VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2023 |
| Project end | September 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01RX004775-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10923928 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced upper limb amputations and use prosthetic devices.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not undergone upper limb amputation or do not use prosthetic limbs may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the measurement of physical function in individuals who use upper limb prostheses. The team has developed and refined various patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and performance-based assessments specifically for upper limb amputees. By addressing the limitations of existing measures and standardizing data collection, the research aims to create reliable and valid tools that can be used in routine clinical settings. This work is crucial for understanding how well prosthetic devices are helping patients regain function in their daily lives.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better assessment tools that improve rehabilitation outcomes for patients with upper limb amputations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing similar measurement tools for other types of amputations, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Providence VA Medical Center
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Resnik, Linda J. — Providence VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Resnik, Linda J.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Spinal muscle targets to improve mobility after leg amputation
A study with adults who’ve had a lower-leg amputation will look at how spinal muscle weakness and fat in the back muscles relate to mobility, with the aim of guiding rehabilitation choices.
-
Bone and skin movement inside prosthetic sockets for below-knee amputees
This project uses moving X-ray and CT-based 3D models to measure how bones, skin, and liners move inside the prosthetic socket of people with below-knee amputations during walking and other activities.
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Surgical strategies to prevent and reduce amputation pain
This project tests how two nerve-sparing techniques can prevent or lessen phantom and residual limb pain in people who have or will have amputations, especially veterans.
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Improving how we measure physical function for people using artificial arms
Aimed at making it easier and more accurate to track how well people with upper limb prostheses move and function in daily life.
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AMPDECIDE: Helping Veterans choose amputation level with personalized outcome information
A doctor helps a veteran facing leg amputation learn personalized risks and likely outcomes for different amputation levels to guide their care choices.
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Thermoregulation and tissue health in leg-amputee patients
This grant looks at how skin temperature and mechanical factors during walking affect tissue health and risk of sores in people with a leg amputation, especially those with diabetes.
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.