Walking exercise program for veterans with lower-limb amputation

Walking Exercise Sustainability Through Telehealth for Veterans With Lower-Limb Amputation

NA · VA Office of Research and Development · NCT05412550

This study is testing a remote walking exercise program for veterans with lower-limb amputation to see if it helps them stay active and improve their exercise habits over time.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment78 (estimated)
Ages40 Years to 89 Years
SexAll
SponsorVA Office of Research and Development (fed)
Locations1 site (Aurora, Colorado)
Trial IDNCT05412550 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to improve long-term exercise participation among veterans with lower-limb amputation through a remote walking exercise self-management program. The 18-month intervention focuses on reducing sedentary behavior by providing individualized exercise training and peer support, shifting the rehabilitation approach to promote lifelong exercise sustainability. Participants will be compared to a control group receiving attention-based education to assess the effectiveness of the intervention in achieving meaningful improvements in walking exercise habits.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include veterans with unilateral or bilateral lower-limb amputation who can walk for two minutes without rest using a prosthesis.

Not a fit: Patients with congenital or cancer-related amputations, unstable heart conditions, or those undergoing active cancer treatment may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly enhance the physical health and quality of life for veterans with lower-limb amputation by promoting sustained exercise participation.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using telerehabilitation and self-management strategies to improve exercise participation in similar populations, indicating a potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Unilateral or bilateral lower-limb amputation (transmetatarsal to him disarticulation, traumatic or non-traumatic etiology)
* Ability to walk two minutes without seated rest using prosthesis and assistive device if needed
* Living without assistance for basic activities of daily living

Exclusion Criteria:

* Congenital or cancer-related amputation
* Unstable heart condition including:

  * unstable angina
  * uncontrolled cardiac dysrhythmia
  * acute myocarditis
  * acute pericarditis
* Acute systemic infection
* Prisoner
* Mild cognitive impairment
* Active cancer treatment
* Discretion of PI to exclude patients who are determined to be unsafe and/or inappropriate to participate

Where this trial is running

Aurora, Colorado

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: Lower-Limb Amputation, Transmetatarsal Amputation, Partial Foot Amputation, Transtibial Amputation, Knee Disarticulation, Transfemoral Amputation, Hip Disarticulation

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.