Prosthetic and Orthotic Clinical Excellence
We maintain our stance as leaders in the field by continuously staying ahead of prosthetic and orthotic advances through clinical research. We study the patients we treat to better understand how they’re impacted by our process and the device(s) we’ve fit them with.
Clinical Studies
Our team of clinicians is committed to discovering better solutions for our patients. Providing and supporting patients’ access to advanced technologies is, and always will be, one of
our top priorities.
New Study on Measuring Mobility in Active, Lower-Limb Prosthesis Users
Researchers at the University of Washington and University of Miami are looking for active, lower-limb prosthesis users to participate in a research study about the high-level activities that people may do with their prosthesis (or prostheses). Interested individuals can learn more or take the survey at www.mobilitysurvey.org.
Why is this research important?
Health surveys usually do not include questions about high-level activities that people do with their prosthesis. We want to make surveys better at measuring the experiences of active people with lower limb amputation so that they can help clinicians, researchers, and insurance providers understand the experience and benefits of using a prosthesis for all types of activities.
Is this study right for you?
You are eligible to take the survey if you:
– Are 18 years of age or older
– Able to read, write, and understand English
– Have an amputation in one or both legs between the ankle and hip
– Do not have any other amputations
– Regularly use a prosthesis (or prostheses) to walk very long distances, walk quickly for long periods of time, carry heavy objects, jog, run, or play sports
What’s involved?
You will complete one 30-60 minute online (or paper) survey that asks questions about you, your health, and the things you do with your prosthesis (or prostheses). Participating in this study is voluntary and there is no cost to participate. We will mail eligible respondents a $25 check for completing the survey. Note that payment requires a United States mailing address, but eligible participants from outside the US are welcome to take the survey without payment.
Where can I find out more?
You can find out more or take the survey online at www.mobilitysurvey.org or you can contact us at uwcorr@uw.edu or 1-800-504-0564 (toll free) to learn more or request a paper survey.
Study information
This study (UW IRB#00004414) is being conducted by investigators at the University of Washington, University of Miami, and Brooke Army Medical Center. The study is sponsored by the US Department of Defense (Award Number W81XWH-17-1-0551, PI: Brian Hafner, PhD).
Hydraulic and Microprocessor Controlled Ankle-Foot Prostheses for Limited Community Ambulators with Unilateral Transtibial Amputation: Pilot Study
Hydraulic and microprocessor control of prosthetic joints are not currently available for patients categorized as MFCL K1 or K2, yet the function provided by these technologies may benefit this patient population. The aim of this pilot study is to examine a diverse set of potential benefits from both hydraulic and microprocessor controlled prosthetic ankles for persons with unilateral transtibial amputation who are classified as K1 or K2. Outcome measures will be collected to examine: self-rated mobility and functional ambulation on level ground, turns and slopes; step activity and cadence variability in the community; balance confidence, fall risk and fall incidence; walking speed and energy consumption; and socket comfort and lower back pain. The results from this study will potentially highlight the negative effects of restricting access to these technologies within this patient population and can motivate larger studies into the benefits of hydraulic and microprocessor control of prosthetic joints in amputees who have limited capacity for community ambulation.
Status: Recruitment for this clinical trial will begin in Fall of 2017
Study to Compare Microprocessor-Controlled Prosthetic Ankle-Foot Against Carbon Fiber Prosthetic Ankle-Foot in Transtibial Amputees
We are performing research to compare the benefits of two prosthetic ankle-foot devices. This research will help us learn whether a recently developed microprocessor-controlled prosthetic ankle-foot device, called the Kinnex, provides an advantage to walking and increased mobility when compared to a carbon fiber prosthetic ankle-foot device called the Pacifica LP. Both prosthetic ankle-foot devices are manufactured by Freedom Innovations, LLC (Irvine, CA).
Status: This clinical trial is no longer enrolling new participants.
Having Your Prosthesis Changed? Volunteer with Bioengineering Research
The University of Washington is conducting research into improving socket fit for below-knee amputees. We are investigating how continuously monitoring residual limb volume could lead to improved management of socket fit.
Status: The clinical trial is no longer enrolling new participants
Academic Articles
Explore these articles to see the result of the clinical studies and research conducted by our team.
