Comparison of Various Prosthetic Foot-Ankle Mechanisms

Launched by MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY · Jul 19, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

MIT is running a study to compare several foot-and-ankle prosthetic devices for people who have had one below-knee amputation. About 10 adults (ages 18–65) who are fairly mobile (Medicare levels K3 or K4) will try five devices—three passive (non-powered) and two powered—while researchers measure how they walk. The goal is to see which device people prefer for level walking, climbing stairs, and walking on a gentle slope, and to compare how each device changes walking patterns.

If you participate, you’ll complete two lab sessions totaling about 8 hours. A prosthetist will fit and align the devices, and you’ll practice with them before data are collected. Researchers will use cameras and force sensors to analyze your gait and you’ll answer short questionnaires after trying the devices. All five devices will be tested in random order. Some devices are experimental or not yet fully approved. The study began in 2023 and is currently enrolling by invitation, with completion expected by the end of 2025.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Person with unilateral transtibial amputation
• • K3 or K4 Medicare mobility rating
• • Ages 18-65
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Below K3 Medicare mobility rating
• • Outside of age range (liability and safety reasons)