Rethinking knee prostheses to improve mobility for people with amputations
Official title: Rethinking Symmetry: A new framework for powered knee prostheses
Funded at Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago D/b/a Shirley Ryan Abilitylab · NIH-11344545 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new approach to knee-powered artificial legs aims to place the power source above the knee to reduce weight and improve walking for people with transfemoral amputation.
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 | June 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $711,175 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HD121729-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11344545 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with transfemoral (above-knee) amputation who currently use or might benefit from powered knee prostheses.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals with different types of limb loss or non-ambulatory conditions, or those unable to participate in gait testing.
What this research studies
This project focuses on people who have lost a leg above the knee and struggles with current powered prostheses that are heavy and hard to move. By relocating the powertrain above the knee, the device may feel lighter and easier to walk with, potentially improving balance and speed. The team will explore how this design affects gait, energy use, and safety, using testing that mimics real-world walking. The goal is to make a more comfortable, natural-feeling prosthesis that people would want to wear daily.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could lead to lighter, more natural hip- and knee-based movement with less effort for users.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research shows that mass placement affects performance in passive knees; this project tests a novel powered design with proximal mass placement.
Where this research is happening
-
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago D/b/a Shirley Ryan Abilitylab
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Embry, Kyle Ryan — Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago D/b/a Shirley Ryan Abilitylab
- Study coordinator: Embry, Kyle Ryan
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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.