Spinal muscle targets to improve mobility after leg amputation
Official title: Spinal Muscle Impairments: Uncovering Therapeutic Targets for Improved Mobility after Amputation
Funded at University of Delaware · NIH-11599315 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Delaware NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 4, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,328,578 |
| NIH project number | 1R56HD122663-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11599315 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults (21+ years) who are in the post-acute phase after leg amputation.
✕Less likely to help
People who are not experiencing mobility issues after amputation or who cannot participate in MRI/physical assessments may not benefit.
What this research studies
After a lower-limb amputation, many people still struggle with moving around. This project will examine back muscles ( multifidi and erector spinae ) to see if their condition predicts future mobility challenges. The team will assess muscle endurance, activity, and fat content, then connect these factors to functional mobility outcomes. The goal is to identify modifiable spinal-muscle problems that rehabilitation can targets in future trials. About 72 adults post-acute amputation will be enrolled to gather these insights.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could lead to more personalized rehab strategies that improve balance and walking after amputation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work showed links between spinal muscle quality and mobility, supporting potential for targeted rehab approaches.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Delaware
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sions, Jaclyn Megan — University of Delaware
- Study coordinator: Sions, Jaclyn Megan
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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.