Optimizing Gait Rehabilitation for Veterans With Non-traumatic Lower Limb Amputation

Description

The population of older Veterans with non-traumatic lower limb amputation is growing. Following lower limb amputation, asymmetrical movements persist during walking and likely contribute to disabling sequelae including secondary pain conditions, poor gait efficiency, impaired physical function, and compromised skin integrity of the residual limb. This study seeks to address chronic gait asymmetry by evaluating the efficacy of two error-manipulation gait training programs to improve gait symmetry for Veterans with non-traumatic lower limb amputation. Additional this study will evaluate the potential of error-manipulation training programs to improve secondary measures of disability and residual limb skin health. Ultimately, this study aims to improve conventional prosthetic rehabilitation for Veterans with non-traumatic amputation through gait training programs based in motor learning principles, resulting in improved gait symmetry and lower incidence of long-term disability after non-traumatic lower limb amputation.

Conditions

Transtibial Amputation, Peripheral Artery Disease, Diabetes Mellitus

Study Overview

Study Details

Study overview

The population of older Veterans with non-traumatic lower limb amputation is growing. Following lower limb amputation, asymmetrical movements persist during walking and likely contribute to disabling sequelae including secondary pain conditions, poor gait efficiency, impaired physical function, and compromised skin integrity of the residual limb. This study seeks to address chronic gait asymmetry by evaluating the efficacy of two error-manipulation gait training programs to improve gait symmetry for Veterans with non-traumatic lower limb amputation. Additional this study will evaluate the potential of error-manipulation training programs to improve secondary measures of disability and residual limb skin health. Ultimately, this study aims to improve conventional prosthetic rehabilitation for Veterans with non-traumatic amputation through gait training programs based in motor learning principles, resulting in improved gait symmetry and lower incidence of long-term disability after non-traumatic lower limb amputation.

Optimizing Gait Rehabilitation for Veterans With Non-Traumatic Lower Limb Amputation

Optimizing Gait Rehabilitation for Veterans With Non-traumatic Lower Limb Amputation

Condition
Transtibial Amputation
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Aurora

Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, CO, Aurora, Colorado, United States, 80045-7211

Richmond

Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, VA, Richmond, Virginia, United States, 23249

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * Unilateral, non-traumatic, transtibial amputation
  • * Diabetes mellitus and/or peripheral artery disease
  • * Able to ambulate in the community without assistive device
  • * Step length asymmetry during walking (\>1.0 asymmetry index.)
  • * 6 months to 10 years since amputation
  • * Unstable heart condition
  • * Including unstable angina, uncontrolled cardiac dysrhythmia, acute myocarditis, hypertension, and acute pericarditis
  • * Acute systemic infection
  • * Active cancer treatment
  • * Traumatic or cancer related amputation etiology

Ages Eligible for Study

50 Years to 89 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

VA Office of Research and Development,

Cory L. Christiansen, PhD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, CO

Study Record Dates

2025-04-30