Powered knee and ankle prosthetics for K2-level transfemoral amputees
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-11336405 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study tests lightweight, fully powered knee and ankle devices to help people with a transfemoral amputation at K2 level 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 | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $674,741 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD108554-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11336405 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with unilateral transfemoral amputation currently prescribed passive prostheses and classified as K2-level ambulators.
✕Less likely to help
Participants with higher or lower activity levels than K2, or those with contraindications to powered devices, may not experience the same benefits.
What this research studies
The project will test lightweight powered knee and ankle components that can be used alone or together to see how they affect energy use, gait, and everyday mobility in people with a unilateral above-knee amputation who normally use a passive prosthesis. Researchers will compare outcomes when using knee power, ankle power, or both, considering the extra weight and control needs. Twenty K2-level participants will be recruited and asked to perform tasks like stairs, ramps, and sit-to-stand to measure metabolic cost and functional performance. The goal is to identify benefits and tradeoffs of powered components for this group and guide future design and prescription.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, powered components could improve mobility and reduce effort for K2-level amputees, expanding functional options and comfort.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research suggests powered components can improve function in higher-level ambulators; this study explores benefits specifically for K2-level users.
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.