How residual limb length relates to strength, balance, and function after transfemoral amputation
Official title: Assessment of Lower Extremity Muscle Strength, Balance, and Functional Capacity in Individuals With Transfemoral Amputation and Investigation of the Relationship With the Length of the Lost Extremity
Run by Hacettepe University · NCT07032233 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests how the length of the missing lower leg segment affects strength, balance, and daily function in adults with a transfemoral amputation.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 15 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Hacettepe University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ankara, Ankara) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 26, 2025 |
| Main results expected | November 2026 |
| Study ends | November 2026 |
| Registry record updated | September 16, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07032233 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18–50 with unilateral transfemoral amputation who can ambulate with a prosthesis and have been walking for at least 6 months.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with comorbid conditions affecting balance or strength, or with residual limb length below 25 cm, may not benefit from the findings.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This cross-sectional observational study will measure muscle strength at all remaining lower-limb joints using an isokinetic dynamometer, assess balance with force platform technology, and evaluate endurance with a six-minute walk test in adults with unilateral transfemoral amputation. It aims to see how the ratio of residual limb length to the intact leg relates to strength, balance, and functional performance at a single time point. No interventions or follow-up are involved. Data collection occurs at one time point to characterize associations and inform rehabilitation approaches. The study design was categorized as 'Other' due to its cross-sectional, descriptive nature.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could guide personalized rehabilitation strategies that consider residual limb length to improve balance and walking ability.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in amputee biomechanics supports links between limb length, strength, and balance, but this exact cross-sectional relation is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Individuals will be included in the study if they: Are between 18 and 50 years of age Are literate Have unilateral transfemoral amputation Have no cardiovascular, orthopedic, cognitive, or neurological conditions that could negatively affect balance, gait, or muscle strength Are able to ambulate independently with a prosthesis Have been walking for at least 6 months Voluntarily agree to participate in the study Exclusion Criteria: Participants will be excluded from the study if: They develop complications such as pain (rated 3 or higher on the Visual Analog Scale) or stump irritation during the course of the study Their residual limb length is less than 25 cm from the greater trochanter, which exceeds the limitations of the isokinetic dynamometer attachments used in the study They voluntarily withdraw from the study - in such cases, their data will be removed from the records
Where it's running
-
Gaziler Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital
Ankara, Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Ceren Kuzu, MSc, Physical Therapist
- Email: ce.kuzu@gmail.com
- Phone: +905067027093
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.