Improving Mobility and Function Following Transfemoral Amputation: A Novel Approach to Reverse Volumetric Muscle Loss

Eligibility Criteria

• * At least 18 years old
• * History of lower limb unilateral transfemoral amputation.
• * At least two years post lower limb amputation
• * Able to ambulate independently without the use of aids (i.e., walking cane).
• * Able to walk at least 10 minutes continuously without stopping.
• * Has a safe residuum with no open wounds on either the residual or intact limb.
• * Has a prosthetic limb with materials that are sound and safe to withstand the mobility requirements of the study.
• * Younger than 18 years old.
• * Inability to give informed consent.
• * Neurological disorder that affects gait.
• * Participants with significant metal (greater than one orthopaedic screw) in either the residual limb or the sound/intact limb
• * Participants who begin taking medications or change dosage of medications that could affect gait, balance, and cardiovascular function during the course of the study.
• * Currently pregnant (or intend to become pregnant while participating in study).
• * History of any condition where fatiguing contractions or resisted leg contractions are contraindicated.
• * Blood clots in the leg, or any condition in which compression of the thigh or transient ischemia is contraindicated (e.g. open wounds in the leg).
• * History of uncontrolled hypertension.
• * History of heart failure.
• * Head injury within the previous 6 months.
• * Seizure disorder.
• * History of vascular disease.
• * History of thrombosis.
• * History of sickle cell trait.
• * History of genetic disease