Role of Visual Attention and Environment on Real-World Walking for People With Lower Limb Amputation

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates how visual attention and cognitive-motor demands influence gait speed and gaze behavior in everyday walking among adults with unilateral lower limb amputation. It examines performance under varying terrain complexities and both vision-based and non-vision-based dual-tasks to better reflect real-world mobility. Data will include walking patterns and eye movements collected during tasks that mimic daily navigation, complementing standard clinical assessments. The goal is to identify factors that limit real-world mobility despite prosthesis advances and to inform more ecologically valid rehabilitation approaches.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* unilateral transtibial LLA of either dysvascular (diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, and/or infection) or traumatic etiology
* 18 years old minimum
* able to ambulate 2 minutes without rest
* 9 months since LLA
* fitted with terminal prosthesis
* 20/60 vision or better (with or without glasses/contacts)

Exclusion Criteria:

* congenital or cancer-related LLA
* ankle-level or above LLA on the contralateral limb
* residual limb wound or contralateral foot ulcer
* unstable heart condition (including unstable angina, uncontrolled cardiac dysrhythmia, acute myocarditis, hypertension, and acute pericarditis)
* acute systemic infection
* prisoner
* inability to follow a 3-step command
* concussion/brain injury in the past 12 months
* active cancer treatment
* preexisting neurological condition (i.e., multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease)
* participating in prosthetic rehabilitation
* color-blindness
* history of seizure(s)
* inability to read and communicate in English.

Participants in the control group must meet the non-amputation-related criteria noted above, be within ±2 years and the same biological sex as their paired participants with LLA.

Where it's running

• Virginia Commonwealth University
  Richmond, Virginia, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Paul Kline — Virginia Commonwealth University
• Study coordinator: Paul Kline
• Email: klinep@vcu.edu
• Phone: 804-828-4483

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.