136 Clinical Trials for Various Conditions
To date, there is no valid and reliable measure of continuous inter-limb stability available to healthcare teams treating people with lower limb loss. Determining these characteristics of this parameter for this population is important because superior stability has been linked to increased physical activity and strength in similar populations, making it a potential vital contributor to mobility improvement of Veterans with limb loss. It is also crucial that healthcare providers can easily measure continuous stability in the clinic instead of relying on expensive laboratory equipment. The overall goals of this study are to determine the reliability and validity of continuous inter-limb stability of Veterans with lower limb loss and determine if this parameter can be captured using accessible wearable technology. Consequently, clinicians can improve continuous stability through proper rehabilitation to positively impact the functional mobility and overall quality of life of Veterans with lower limb loss.
Individuals with lower extremity amputation are often challenged by complications that arise from poor prosthetic fit, including movement of the residual limb in the socket, known as pistoning. Pistoning can lead to gait instability, skin problems, and pain. Different prosthetic suspension systems have been developed to decrease this motion, including elevated vacuum suspension, which utilizes a pump to draw air from the socket. However, scientific analyses to understand the movement between the limb and socket have yet to be performed with a high level of accuracy. This study will use a state-of-the art imaging technique, known as dynamic stereo x-ray, to quantify the 3D movement of the residual limb in the socket. It is hypothesized that dynamic stereo x-ray will be a sensitive method to measure differences in residual limb movement between 2 different socket suspension techniques: suction and elevated vacuum suspension. This information is critical for advancing prosthetic treatments to reduce secondary conditions and degenerative changes that result from poor prosthetic fit.
The purpose of this study is to identify the best treatment sequence and combination of acupuncture points for the treatment of phantom limb or residual limb pain in the traumatic/surgical amputee.
The goal of clinical trial is to assess an integrated, patient-centered strategy combining user preference-based prosthetic foot prescription and subsequent targeted physical therapy to maximize satisfaction and mobility outcomes for Veterans and others with lower limb loss. The main aims it will address are: * Assess the effect of prosthetic foot selection based on experiential preference as determined using a variable stiffness foot on mobility and satisfaction * Assess the effect of a targeted physical therapy intervention following preference-based foot selection on mobility, balance, and satisfaction? Participants will walk with an emulator prosthetic foot to experience three different conditions that emulate different commercial feet to determine their most- and least-preferred foot. Participants' satisfaction, perceived mobility, and functional mobility will be measured and compared between their most- and least-preferred feet using the corresponding commercial feet. Participants will then be randomly assigned to receive either the standard-of-care (control group) or personalized physical therapy intervention for eight weeks using that preferred prosthetic foot. Participants' satisfaction, mobility, and balance will be measured pre- and post-intervention.
The LIMBER UniLeg, a 3D printed single-piece transtibial prosthetic limb, is sufficiently equivalent to traditional passive prosthetic limbs (no motors or sensors), while reducing the cost and time of manufacturing and enabling global reach through the use of digital technologies to solve the worldwide prosthetic accessibility crisis. This is a single-site, Phase I, Clinical Research Study to test the effectiveness and safety of the LIMBER UniLeg. One study group of 30 participants involved for two months using a non-inferiority design in which the participant will be assessed using their normal device (1 month) and the study device (1 month).
The purpose of this research is to design a high-performance, customized, and rapidly- manufacturable passive prosthetic foot for use in the United States. We are currently testing an early stage prototype and would like user input before pursuing additional clinical testing. Participants will be asked about their current prosthesis type and use, amputation side and cause, and activity level. We will take measurements of height, weight, and length of the participant's residual limb. The participant will be asked to walk in several prosthetic foot conditions in multiple walking activities, and the visit should last approximately four hours. For each prosthetic foot, a trained prosthetist will fit the foot (either a prototype foot or a commercially available K3/K4 foot) to the prosthesis. The patient will then walk around the room until they feel comfortable. They may initially walk using a gait belt or between parallel bars based on comfort level and an evaluation by the prosthetist. Once they feel comfortable walking on level ground at a normal speed and the prosthetist feels that they will be safe performing more challenging walking activities, the participant will perform different walking activities (such as walking on flat ground at different speeds, walking up/down ramps, and walking up/down stairs). They will then be asked to tell the investigator what they like and dislike about the prosthetic foot.
Purpose: Aim 1: Quantify soft tissue complications and infections of service members with transtibial amputations treated with OPRA OI and compare them to transfemoral OI service members. Aim 2: Compare the validated domains, such as functional, quality of life and pain scores, from the preoperative baseline to follow-up visits to determine if persons with transtibial amputations treated with OPRA osseointegrated prostheses demonstrate statistically significant and clinically relevant improvements. Aim 3: Compare physical performance measures preoperatively to follow-up visits for persons with transtibial amputations treated with OPRA osseointegrated prostheses to quantify statistically significant and clinically relevant improvements. Aim 4: Quantify the biomechanical loading and bone quality changes that are directly associated with patient reported outcomes for persons with transtibial amputations treated with OPRA osseointegration. Aim 5: Compare outcome measures between persons with traditional socket prostheses (patients as self-controls) and OPRA OI devices as well as a comparison between persons with transtibial OI and transfemoral OI. Subject Population: Male and female military health care beneficiaries age 22 to 65 years old presenting with a Transtibial limb loss. Study Design: This is a 4-year, prospective cohort FDA pivotal study involving off-label use of the OPRA OI implant in persons with transtibial amputation. Procedures: SURGICAL PROCEDURES: Surgery Stage I: The distal part of the tibia is exposed, preferably using existing incisions, to produce an appropriate fasciocutaneous flap. By the use of fluoroscopy and guiding devices the correct position of the fixture in the medullary canal is found. The canal is reamed step by step to a proper diameter to facilitate insertion of the implant. If the bone quality is poor, as determined by the operating surgeon, autologous bone graft from the iliac crest and/or the medullary canal is used. The fixture is then implanted into the intramedullary canal. Careful surgical technique is essential not to damage the tissue and to achieve osseointegration. A central screw, healing cylinder, and healing bolt are inserted. A myodesis is performed, and the wound is closed using suture. The sutures are removed 2-3 weeks postoperatively. When the skin is completely healed the Patient's conventional socket prosthesis could, in some instances, be used. Surgery Stage II (3-5 months after Stage I): The tibia is exposed via the incision from the Stage I-Surgery. The healing cylinder is removed and the tissues are trimmed in a way that the distal end of the bone protrudes a few millimeters. The skin will be attached directly to it. The endosteal canal is reamed to facilitate placement of the abutment. The skin in the abutment area is then trimmed to a diameter equal to the protruding end of the tibia. This is done to remove the subcutaneous fat and facilitate healing of the dermal layer to the distal end of the bone. The subcutaneous tissue is affixed to the periosteum using absorbable suture to prevent skin movement. A 8mm punch biopsy tool is used to create a circular hole in the skin precisely over the residual tibial canal. The remaining portion of the fasciocutaneous flap is sutured into position. A bolster dressing is placed and routine postoperative wound care is performed by daily dressing changes. Sutures are removed 2-3 weeks postoperatively. CLINICAL PROCEDURES A pre-study visit will be conducted up to 6 months prior to Surgery Stage I. Postoperative visits will occur 2-3 weeks after each surgery. Additional follow-up visits will occur 6, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 months post-Surgery Stage II. It is standard of care to follow patients postoperatively from time to time to ensure the wound(s) is /are healing, surveil for complications, and ensure rehabilitation is progressing. That said, the sole reason for engaging in the Clinical Follow-Up Procedures is for the purpose of conducting research under this particular protocol. Additional visits may occur including x-rays at the discretion of the clinical investigator in order to monitor the participants medical status/bone healing. RESEARCH PROCEDURES Timepoints: Baseline, Post-Op Stage II, 6 months, 12 months, 24 months, 36 months, 48 months, and 60 months The patients will be assessed before and after the surgery regularly. Both performance and safety data will be recorded on specially designed electronic Case Report Forms (eCRFs). Clinical and radiological assessments are performed preoperatively (in connection with the surgical procedures.
The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between thigh strength and walking ability and assess if using a blood pressure cuff on the leg improves strength and walking performance.
The purpose of this graduate student research study is to test that a specifically designed and novel robotic prosthetic leg (RPL) is feasible, safe and improves symmetry, efficiency, and metabolic function during sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit transitions as compared to the subject's prescribed device, and as compared to no device at all.
The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the efficacy of functional electrical stimulation (FES) for trans-tibial amputees. The investigators aim to demonstrate that providing three months of FES intervention will increase knee extension strength, increase volume of the residual limb and decrease chronic and phantom pain.
The aims of this study address an exploratory endpoint in the Major Extremity Trauma Research Consortium (METRC) Transtibial Amputation Outcomes Study (TAOS; NCT01821976) that is investigating prosthesis fit, alignment and condition of the residual limb. As there are no validated measures of fit and alignment (factors known to impact comfort, function and performance among amputees) the TAOS study includes a provision in the protocol for acquisition of photographs, video and radiographs in order to help develop uniform assessments of the residual limb. The goal of the ProFit study is to validate and refine the prosthetic assessment tool (ProFit) that was developed by an expert panel of certified orthotist prosthetistis (CPOs) in collaboration with orthopaedic trauma investigators, a measurement scientist and a biomedical engineer from the BADER consortium.
The proposed study aims to characterize biological ankle joint function during walking and running on slopes in order to further develop advanced powered ankle-foot prostheses. Ankle joint torque and angle data will be collected from non-amputees while walking and running at multiple speeds and slopes. This data will be used to develop control parameters for a powered ankle-foot prosthesis. Then, these parameters will be implemented and tested in a powered prosthesis worn by people with below the knee amputations.
Many people with a leg amputation have difficulty walking even after they have finished their rehabilitation. The purpose of this study is to see if a large amount of walking practice on a treadmill can improve functional abilities.
Recent dysvascular and diabetic amputees as well as older, long-term traumatic amputees are at risk of functional decline, joint degeneration, skin breakdown and further limb loss due to the forces placed on the contralateral limb through prosthetic ambulation. If specialized prosthetic gait training and proper use of the appropriate prosthetic foot can decrease forces on the intact limb, the long term health and quality of life of veterans with amputations could be substantially improved. We will address two key questions: Key Question 1: After receiving specialized gait training and a new prosthetic socket, will subjects demonstrate differences in gait symmetry and external mechanical work between the bionic and conventional prosthetic feet, while performing various functional activities. Key Question 2: Can external mechanical work be used as a clinically friendly measure to differentiate between prosthetic feet?
Amputees wearing a conventional prosthesis require 20-30% more metabolic energy to walk at the same speeds as non-amputees and this discrepancy is more apparent at faster walking speeds. Amputees choose to walk at speeds 30-40% slower than non-amputees. Preferred walking speed is likely influenced by elevated metabolic energy, but the underlying reason for slower preferred walking speeds is not fully understood. Unilateral amputees exhibit highly asymmetrical gait patterns that likely require more metabolic energy and impair functional mobility, increasing the risk of degenerative joint disease, osteo-arthritis and lower back pain. Improvements in prosthetic devices could enhance mobility in amputees, thus positively effecting rehabilitation and ambulation in veterans. A prosthesis that allows amputees to reduce metabolic energy would be especially useful for rehabilitation in older, ill individuals with reduced exercise capacities and could literally restore walking ability in people that are currently non-ambulatory. Hypotheses. Amputees wearing the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Powered Ankle-Foot (PAF) prosthesis will have a lower metabolic cost, faster preferred walking speed, and improved gait symmetry during walking than amputees wearing a conventional prosthesis and will have nearly the same metabolic cost, preferred walking speed, and gait symmetry during walking as age, gender, height, and weight matched non-amputees.
The goal of this study is to find out if using microprocessor-controlled prosthetic knees (MPKs), prosthetic knees with a built-in computer, improves health outcomes related to falls in adults who use above-knee prostheses. The main questions are: * Do individuals with MPKs have fewer fall-related health issues compared to those with non-microprocessor-controlled prosthetic knees (nMPKs)? * Do individuals with MPKs have increased mobility, faster walking speed, and improved quality of life compared to those with nMPKs? Participants who have recently received an nMPK as part of their regular care can join the study. Those randomized to the control group will keep using their nMPK, while those randomized to the intervention group will receive a stance-and-swing MPK or a stance-only MPK.
The goal of this proposed project is to gather community-based data from the K2-level Transfemoral Amputee (TFA) population to aid in evidence-based prescription of powered prosthetic knees (i.e., choosing the right device to maximize the benefit for each patient). The investigators intend to use this trial data along with a concurrent study being conducted within the K3-K4 level population to guide the implementation of effective prescriptions towards those that can benefit most from a given device and limit prescription to those who would not see benefit in order to ensure the most judicious use of Department of Defense (DoD) and Veteran's Affairs healthcare dollars. The findings will also be shared with the research community to help drive the design of future devices by identifying what features and functions are most beneficial to which patient populations when the devices are used outside of the laboratory. In summary, more community-based data on how powered prosthetic knees compare with the current standard in TFA populations is needed to allow for improved clinical decision making and clinical outcomes.
When a limb is severed, pain perceived in the part of the body that no longer exists often develops and is called "phantom limb" pain. Unfortunately, phantom pain goes away in only 16% of afflicted individuals, and there is currently no reliable definitive treatment. The exact reason that phantom limb pain occurs is unclear, but when a nerve is cut-as happens with an amputation-changes occur in the brain and spinal cord that actually increase with worsening phantom pain. These abnormal changes may often be corrected by putting local anesthetic-called a "nerve block"-on the injured nerve, effectively keeping any "bad signals" from reaching the brain with a simultaneous resolution of the phantom limb pain. However, when the nerve block resolves after a few hours, the phantom pain returns. But, this demonstrates that the brain abnormalities-and phantom pain-that occur with an amputation are not necessarily fixed, and may be dependent upon the "bad" signals being sent from the injured nerve(s), suggesting that a very long peripheral nerve block-lasting many months rather than hours-may permanently reverse the abnormal changes in the brain, and provide definitive relief from phantom pain. A prolonged nerve block lasting a few months may be provided by freezing the nerve using a process called "cryoneurolysis". The ultimate objective of the proposed research study is to determine if cryoanalgesia is an effective treatment for intractable post-amputation phantom limb pain. The proposed pilot study will include subjects with an existing above-knee amputation who experience intractable daily phantom limb pain. A single ultrasound-guided treatment of cryoneurolysis (or sham block-determined randomly like a flip of a coin) will be applied to the major nerves of the thigh. Although not required, each subject may return 4-6 months later for the alternative treatment (if the first treatment is sham, then the second treatment would be cryoneurolysis) so that all participants have the option of receiving the active treatment. Subjects will be followed for a total of 12 months with data collected by telephone.
The objective of this study is to develop a virtual rehabilitation system that can be used to effectively treat Phantom Limb Pain (PLP) within the research setting and for at-home use by individuals with upper and lower extremity amputation. We hypothesize that the system will improve PLP for individuals with upper or lower extremity amputation, as measured through with various outcome measures and questionnaires.
The goal of this proposed project is to gather community-based data from the K4-level Transfemoral Amputee (TFA) population to aid in evidence-based prescription of powered prosthetic knees (i.e., choosing the right device to maximize the benefit for each patient). The investigators envision that this Level 1 submission will transition into a larger follow-on Level 2 trial that will explore a larger spectrum of patient populations (K2-K4), as well as testing additional Power Knees currently in development that are expected to become commercialized in the near future. The investigators intend to use this Level 2 trial data to guide the implementation of effective prescriptions towards those that can benefit most from a given device and limit prescription to those who would not see benefit in order to ensure the most judicious use of Department of Defense (DoD) and Veteran's Affairs healthcare dollars. The findings will also be shared with the research community to help drive the design of future devices by identifying what features and functions are most beneficial to which patient populations when the devices are used outside of the laboratory. In summary, more community-based data on how powered prosthetic knees compare with MPKs is needed to allow for improved clinical decision making and clinical outcomes.
Two-phased randomized controlled trial comparing the impact of microprocessor controlled knee prostheses (MPK) with the impact of non-microprocessor controlled knee prostheses (NPMK) in patients with a transfemoral/knee disarticulation level amputation categorized as K2 ambulators.
The comfort and fit of the residual limb within a prosthetic socket are of primary concern for many amputees. The residual limb is typically covered by non-breathable and non- thermally conductive materials that can create a warm and ultimately moist environment. To address this, Liberating Technologies, Inc. (LTI) and Vivonics, Inc. have developed a thermo-electric cooling (TEC)-based module called the Intrasocket Cooling Element (ICE), that can be embedded into the prosthesis in order to cool the residual limb. A technology that can provide thermal control while retaining adequate suspension, weight and other prosthetic characteristics would benefit many prosthesis wearers.
The purpose of this study is to assess weight change in a population of Veterans with amputations. Little is known about the how weight changes following an amputation. It is widely believed that many patients experience weight gain following amputation. This study aims to identify magnitude of weight changes following amputation and determine characteristics associated with weight gain. Information on weight change trajectories would be useful to better understand long-term health consequences associated with amputation and to design and target interventions to encourage weight maintenance and general health promotion for groups at high risk of weight gain.
The objective of the proposed work is to enhance understanding of the potential benefits of adjustable sockets and inform clinical decision making.
The purpose of this pilot study is to test the safety of oral ketamine to treat acute pain after amputation surgery. The objective of the proposed research is to conclusively determine if oral ketamine is a safe alternative analgesic to opioid for acute pain in subjects undergoing elective amputation of the lower extremity. All participants will receive oral ketamine.
The proposed study aims to characterize the effects of running-specific leg prosthetic stiffness and height during on performance during running and sprinting to optimize running-specific prosthesis prescription. The investigators will collect biomechanical and metabolic data from participants with unilateral and bilateral below the knee amputations while they run at different speeds on a treadmill. This data will be used to understand the effects of running prostheses. Then, these parameters will be used to develop prosthetic prescription techniques for people with below the knee amputations.
In older adults, poor circulation in the lower extremities leads to serious health complications including limb loss. In addition, individuals with dysvascular disease also suffer from other co-morbidities like diabetes, coronary and cerebrovascular disease. An individual with a transfemoral (TF) amputation is usually fitted with a prosthetic limb to assist with function, including a prosthetic knee and a prosthetic foot. Currently, dysvascular amputees are given a prosthetic knee based on the basic expectation that they will be functionally stable. This consideration does not address higher levels of function like walking at multiple speeds and over uneven ground. Also, dysvascular amputees are not able to counteract their co-morbidities with a more active lifestyle. Walking is less energy efficient; their traditional prostheses may cause early onset of fatigue and induce a fear of falling. Newer microprocessor knees enable patients with transfemoral amputations to walk on different surfaces and at multiple cadences through better control in swing and stance phases of gait. The impact of the functional differences in the prostheses is not clear and requires additional investigation to clarify the choice of the most appropriate functional prosthesis. The purpose of this study is to compare the functional outcomes with the traditional mechanical knee versus the microprocessor knee (C-leg) in transfemoral amputees.
The Ossur Prosthetic Power Knee claims to assist in helping people with transfemoral amputation to walk up stairs and stand up from sitting. We expect to find that this product has the ability to help unload the sound knee during these tasks. We plan to collect force and motion data while people stand up from a chair. We will compare the data from people using several types of prosthetic knees, including the power knee as well as from people who are not amputees to see what the force and motion contributions are from the different knees evaluated.
The overall goal of this research project is to investigate the effectiveness and the science of peer-based prosthetic skill training in individuals with leg amputation. Our belief is that amputee learners will show improved skill learning when observing demonstrations from other amputees, as opposed to observing nonamputee models. The investigators will accomplish the objective by answering the following two questions: Question 1: Does peer-based observation training works better for learning motor tasks for individuals with lower limb amputation (LLA)? Question 2: Are there differences in visual focus, behavior, and brain activation patterns when observing motor task demonstrations from amputee peers vs. non-amputees? Participants of this study will be asked to learn a balance and a fall recovery task by observing video demonstrations by amputee peers vs. non-amputees. The investigators will compare which setting produce better learning.
The goal of this study is to determine whether it is possible for people with lower limb amputation (LLA) to perform adapted tap dance, whether an adapted tap dance program would be enjoyable, and whether it may improve balance and balance confidence. There is a lack of research investigating therapeutic interventions for people with lower limb amputation (LLA). Tap dance encourages balance and novel movements of the limbs, while providing auditory feedback from the feet that provide information about the foot's contact with the ground, which may help prosthesis users gain a better ability to understand where their prosthetic foot is in space. As with most forms of dance, tap is usually taught and practiced in a group setting, which encourages community involvement. It has been shown to be safer than many forms of dance due to low impact forces. It also, as a genre, can incorporate canes, chairs and partner work, providing the ability to modify steps/moves when required so that they remain practical, achievable and safe for people with mobility limitations, while still enabling participation. It therefore may be an accessible dance medium to help improve balance, balance confidence, and build community for people with LLA. Participants will be asked to: * come to 1 hour dance classes, once per week, for 8 weeks. * do mobility tests before and after the program * complete questionnaires before, during and after the program. The total time for participation is approximately 8-10 weeks.