Improving Walking for K2-Level Amputees with Powered Prosthetics
Official title: Understanding how Powered Componentry Impacts K2-Level Transfemoral Amputee Gait
Funded at Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago D/b/a Shirley Ryan Abilitylab · NIH-11112385 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at how new lightweight powered knee and ankle prosthetics can help people with above-knee amputations who have limited walking ability move more easily and efficiently.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago D/b/a Shirley Ryan Abilitylab NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $678,998 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD108554-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11112385 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with a unilateral transfemoral (above-knee) amputation who are classified as K2-level ambulators and currently use a passive prosthesis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a transfemoral amputation or who are already K3/K4-level ambulators using advanced prosthetics may not directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
Many powered prosthetic knees and ankles have been designed for people who are very active, but we believe those with more limited walking ability could also benefit. We've created new lightweight powered knee and ankle components that can be used separately or together. Our goal is to understand how these powered devices affect your walking, energy use, and overall movement compared to traditional passive prosthetics. We will be recruiting individuals with above-knee amputations who currently use a passive prosthesis to try these new devices.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to better prosthetic options that allow K2-level amputees to perform daily tasks like climbing stairs or standing up with less effort and more safety.
How similar studies have gone: While advanced prosthetics exist for highly active individuals, this specific approach of developing lightweight powered components tailored for K2-level amputees is a novel area of exploration.
Where this research is happening
-
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago D/b/a Shirley Ryan Abilitylab
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hargrove, Levi John — Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago D/b/a Shirley Ryan Abilitylab
- Study coordinator: Hargrove, Levi John
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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.