Measuring stability in Veterans with lower limb loss

Reliability and Validity of Continuous Inter-Limb Stability in Veterans With Lower Limb Loss

Not applicable Interventional VA Office of Research and Development · NCT06987019

This study tests a new way to measure balance in Veterans with lower limb loss to see if it can help improve their mobility and quality of life during rehabilitation.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorVA Office of Research and Development Federal
Locations1 site (New York, New York)
Trial IDNCT06987019 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to establish a reliable and valid measure of continuous inter-limb stability for Veterans with lower limb loss, specifically those with transtibial amputation. By utilizing a novel methodology called Relative Phase (RP) analysis, the research will assess stability in a clinical setting using accessible wearable technology rather than expensive laboratory equipment. The goal is to improve functional mobility and quality of life for these individuals through better rehabilitation practices based on the findings. This study addresses a significant gap in the current assessment tools available for healthcare providers treating this population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals with unilateral transtibial limb loss who have a well-fitting prosthesis and can achieve modified independence in mobility.

Not a fit: Patients with active wounds, significant musculoskeletal comorbidities, or cognitive deficits may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved rehabilitation strategies that enhance mobility and quality of life for Veterans with limb loss.

How similar studies have performed: While previous studies have explored continuous stability in mobility-challenged populations, this specific approach using RP analysis for Veterans with limb loss is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* any individual with unilateral transtibial limb loss
* a well-fitting prosthesis (as determined by a board-certified prosthetist through standardized prosthetic guidelines) for a minimum of one month
* able to achieve a "Level 6 - Modified Independence" score on the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) for 2 mobility items (locomotion and transfers)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Individuals with active wounds/ulcers or significant musculoskeletal comorbidities on their intact limb that would impair ability to participate in biomechanical evaluations
* any comorbidity that results in rapid limb volume changes (i.e., end stage renal disease with dialysis)
* a poorly fitting socket
* cognitive deficit(s) or mental pathology (e.g., dementia, amnesia) that would prevent the participant from understanding and following directions and limit the participant's ability to participate fully in the study
* women who are pregnant or who plan to become pregnant during their participation in study activities
* FIM scores less than Level 6 for locomotion and transfers

Where this trial is running

New York, New York

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.
Conditions Amputation, Lower LimbTranstibial amputationGait evaluation
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.