Improving walking for Veterans with non‑traumatic leg amputation
Optimizing Gait Rehabilitation for Veterans with Non-Traumatic Lower Limb Amputation
A rehabilitation program aims to help Veterans with non‑traumatic lower‑limb amputation walk more evenly and reduce disability.
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 ID | NIH-11249121 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would work with therapists who focus on making your walking pattern more balanced after a non‑traumatic leg amputation (often due to diabetes or poor circulation). The team uses gait analysis and tailored prosthetic and rehabilitation strategies to target asymmetry that can cause back pain, joint wear, poor stamina, and skin problems on the residual limb. The plan is delivered in clinic sessions and may include adjustments to your prosthesis, exercises, and walking training based on your specific needs. The goal is practical: improve everyday walking, reduce complications, and help you stay more active and independent.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Veterans with non‑traumatic lower‑limb amputation (for example related to diabetes or peripheral artery disease) who use or are candidates for a prosthesis and have noticeable walking asymmetry are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with traumatic amputations, uncontrolled medical issues or wounds that prevent participation, or those who do not use a prosthesis may not gain benefit from this specific program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could help Veterans walk more evenly, lower pain and fatigue, and reduce long‑term complications like back pain and skin breakdown.
How similar studies have performed: Past rehabilitation and prosthetic adjustment programs have improved gait in some amputees, but persistent asymmetry in Veterans with non‑traumatic amputations remains a common unresolved issue.
Where this research is happening
Aurora, UNITED STATES
- 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
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.