Comparing muscle activity in amputees and non-amputees

Comparing Intact and Residual Amputated Neuromuscular Physiology

NA · North Carolina State University · NCT06182202

This study tests how muscle activity differs between lower limb amputees and non-amputees during everyday tasks to help improve prosthetic designs.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 64 Years
SexAll
SponsorNorth Carolina State University (other)
Locations1 site (Raleigh, North Carolina)
Trial IDNCT06182202 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the differences in neuromuscular physiology between lower limb amputees and non-amputees by analyzing muscle activity during various functional tasks. Approximately 80 participants will be involved, with half being unilateral lower-limb amputees and the other half being non-amputees. Participants will perform controlled muscle activities and functional tasks while their muscle activation, architecture, and biomechanics are recorded using advanced techniques like electromyography and ultrasound. The findings aim to enhance the design of prosthetic devices by better understanding how amputees control their muscles.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include unilateral lower-limb amputees and healthy individuals aged 18 and older who can walk unassisted.

Not a fit: Patients with cognitive, visual, or balance impairments, or those with certain medical conditions like heart disease or stroke, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved prosthetic control and functionality for amputees, enhancing their independence and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While there is ongoing research in prosthetic control and muscle activity, this specific comparative approach between amputated and non-amputated muscle is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria for Individuals without Amputation:

* Live in the United States
* Are 18 years of age or older
* Can walk across low-level environmental barriers such as curbs, stairs, or uneven surfaces unassisted and without much difficulty

Exclusion Criteria for Individuals without Amputation:

- Have any cognitive, visual, or balance impairments that affects your ability to provide informed consent or to follow instructions during the experiments

* Have had a stroke
* Have heart disease
* Weigh 450 pounds or more (for harness safety)
* Have a girth/waist circumference more than 49 inches (124.4 cm) (for harness safety)
* Have allergies to adhesives

Inclusion Criteria for Individuals with Amputation:

* Live in the United States
* Are a unilateral lower-limb amputee
* Have lower limb length from the knee to where the amputation occurred at least 10cm long
* Can walk across low-level environmental barriers such as curbs, stairs, or uneven surfaces unassisted and without much difficulty

Exclusion Criteria for Individuals with Amputation:

- Have any cognitive, visual, or balance impairments that affects your ability to provide consent or to follow instructions during the experiments

* Have had a stroke
* Have heart disease
* Had skin lesions/incomplete healing following amputation
* Have ulcers
* Have lower limb length from the knee to where the amputation occurred less than 10cm long
* Weigh 450 pounds or more (for harness safety)
* Have a girth/waist circumference more than 49 inches (124.4 cm) (for harness safety)
* Have allergies to adhesives

Where this trial is running

Raleigh, North Carolina

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Amputation, Amputees, Electromyography, Ultrasound, Neuromuscular Physiology, Prostheses, Muscle Activation

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.