Improving walking ability for veterans with non-traumatic lower limb amputation
Official title: Optimizing Gait Rehabilitation for Veterans with Non-Traumatic Lower Limb Amputation
Funded at VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System · NIH-10988225 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to help veterans with non-traumatic lower limb amputations, like those caused by diabetes, walk more evenly and comfortably, so they can enjoy a better quality of life and avoid further health problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | November 1, 2019 |
| Project end | October 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01RX003237-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-10988225 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans aged 65 and older who have undergone non-traumatic lower limb amputation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have experienced traumatic lower limb amputation or are younger than 65 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance walking symmetry in veterans who have experienced non-traumatic lower limb amputation, which often results from conditions like diabetes and peripheral artery disease. The study focuses on understanding and addressing the excessive gait asymmetry that can lead to increased disability and secondary health issues. By employing targeted rehabilitation techniques, the research seeks to optimize walking ability and improve overall quality of life for these veterans. Participants will engage in interventions designed to promote better gait patterns and reduce the risk of complications associated with amputation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve mobility and reduce disability for veterans with non-traumatic lower limb amputation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in improving gait rehabilitation techniques for amputees, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Christiansen, Cory L — VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System
- Study coordinator: Christiansen, Cory L
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Improving walking for Veterans with non‑traumatic leg amputation
A rehabilitation program aims to help Veterans with non‑traumatic lower‑limb amputation walk more evenly and reduce disability.
-
Targeted spinal-cord electrodes to restore feeling after lower-limb amputation
This project is designing and testing thinner, more flexible spinal-cord electrodes to create focused sensations for people with lower-limb amputations.
-
Using electrodes to stimulate the spinal cord for restoring sensation in amputees
This study is working on creating better electrodes that can help people with lower-limb amputations feel sensations in their missing leg, which could make it easier for them to balance and move around safely.
-
Gait speed from wearable sensors to guide ALS trials
A patient-friendly look at using wearable sensors to measure how fast people with ALS walk, to help run better ALS trials.
-
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.
-
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.
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.