Prosthetic and Orthotic Clinical Excellence

Our University of Washington research team is working to develop a patient-reported outcome measure for people who use lower limb orthoses (AFOs and KAFOs). We are excited about the impact this instrument could have on our field, as it will be quick to administer, customizable for people with different levels of mobility or conditions, and freely available to practitioners. However, we need your help to develop this new tool.  An important part of the instrument development process is learning from people who use orthotic devices. We are currently looking for people around the country who use an AFO or KAFO, and are willing to participate in one of our upcoming focus groups. Participants can join the focus group discussion using a personal computer or by phone. Focus group discussions will last 1-2 hours, and participants will receive $50 for their participation in the study.

We are seeking people who…

• are 18 years of age or older
• currently use a lower limb orthosis most days of the week (we are including all types of AFOs, KAFOs, or HKAFO; bilateral orthosis users are eligible as well)
• have used an orthosis for more than 6 months
• are willing to participate in a recorded web/video conference call

We currently have two focus groups scheduled and will likely add two more.  Here are the two upcoming dates and times:

• Tuesday, Dec. 4th at 2pm PST (5pm EST)
• Monday, Dec. 10th at 9am PST (12PM EST)

If any of your patients may be interested in this study, or would like to know more, please have them call us at 1-800-504-0564, or email us at uwcorr@uw.edu.  The PI for this study is Geoff Balkman, CPO.

UW OPRO Focus Group Flyer

Status: This clinical trial is no longer enrolling new participants.

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

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.

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