Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the performance of a powered ankle prosthesis capable of bidirectional control via neural recording and cutaneous stimulation, during free-space and walking tasks. This research aims to assess the sense of embodiment with the device, gait symmetry, and stability of a person with lower-extremity amputation walking with a powered ankle and their prescribed prosthesis. Findings from this study will inform future developments in bionic ankle design with optimal integration with the human body, with the goal of improving prosthetic integration into daily life.

Condition

Eligibility

Eligible Ages
Between 18 Years and 70 Years
Eligible Sex
All
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
Yes

Inclusion Criteria

  • Male or Female age 18-70. The patient must have a unilateral transtibial amputation . The patient must have the ability to ambulate at variable cadence (an expected lower extremity prosthesis functional level of K3 or above). The patient must have adequate socket to support the device.

Exclusion Criteria

  • Women who are pregnant. Severe co morbidity, atypical skeletal anatomy, or poor general physical/mental health that, in the opinion of the Investigator, will not allow the subject to be a good study candidate (i.e. other disease processes, mental capacity, substance abuse, shortened life expectancy, vulnerable patient population, BMI >40, etc.).

Study Design

Phase
N/A
Study Type
Interventional
Allocation
Non-Randomized
Intervention Model
Single Group Assignment
Primary Purpose
Device Feasibility
Masking
None (Open Label)

Arm Groups

ArmDescriptionAssigned Intervention
Experimental
Powered Prosthesis
The subject will be provided with a powered ankle prosthesis to attach in place of their customary prosthesis. This powered prosthesis has the capability of providing active neural control of an ankle joint, and its control can be adjusted through a wireless link. The subject will be given as much time as necessary to practice using the prosthesis before the experiments begin.
  • Device: Powered Prosthesis
    This powered prosthesis has the capability of providing active neural control of an ankle joint, and its control can be adjusted through a wireless link. It is motorized to provide positive power during walking.
Active Comparator
Prescribed Prosthesis
The subject will be undergo the same experiments with their prescribed ankle prosthesis to act as a comparison to the standard of care.
  • Device: Prescribed Prosthesis
    Subject's prescribed prosthesis

Recruiting Locations

MIT Media Lab
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139
Contact:
Christopher Shallal, B.S.
704-904-6112
cshallal@mit.edu

More Details

Status
Recruiting
Sponsor
Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Study Contact

Detailed Description

In summary there will be 3 cohorts in this study, 1) a group of subjects that have an osseointegrated fixture with implanted electrodes, 2) a group that does not have implanted electrodes, and 3) non-amputee healthy control group to serve as a baseline comparison. In summary, the groups will be asked to wear a number of non-invasive sensors and the amputee groups will use a powered ankle prosthesis in place of their customary prosthesis. Data will be collected from various wearable sensors and other motion-capture devices as the subjects walk. At certain points during the study, the control settings of the powered prosthesis will be adjusted, either manually or automatically. Trials will also be conducted with the subjects prescribed prosthesis.

Notice

Study information shown on this site is derived from ClinicalTrials.gov (a public registry operated by the National Institutes of Health). The listing of studies provided is not certain to be all studies for which you might be eligible. Furthermore, study eligibility requirements can be difficult to understand and may change over time, so it is wise to speak with your medical care provider and individual research study teams when making decisions related to participation.