Are you a lower limb prosthesis user? We are interested in your experience: the functionality, your range of activities, and the effectiveness of various prosthetic devices. The Neuromuscular Rehabilitation Engineering Laboratory (NREL) at the Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, NC State University, and UNC-Chapel Hill, is seeking your invaluable feedback.
What is the study all about? Our research is assessing the performance of lower limb prosthesis users in everyday activities and comparing the efficacy of diverse prosthetic systems. We aim to recruit 50 participants for what we hope to be the most extensive study in lower limb prosthetic devices and control methods in comparison to date. Your contribution could provide critical insights.
Why is this study important? This study will help us understand how different types of prostheses and their control methods compare to each other in daily-living activities. It will also provide comparative data that can be used to evaluate the benefits of new technologies. Our results will be useful to members of the limb loss and limb difference community, and to insurance companies needing evidence to prove the benefits of newer (and often more expensive) technologies.
Who can join this study?
- Those with unilateral (single leg) above-the-knee amputation
- Those who regularly use a prosthesis (every day)
- Those between 18-70 years of age
- Those without cognitive impairment (that would impede the ability to follow directions)
- Those without illnesses including history of stroke or heart disease (that would inhibit the ability to safely perform tasks of the study protocol)
What is required to participate? If you meet study eligibility criteria and are interested in being a part of our study, you will travel to our study site (located in Raleigh, NC) to participate. A certified therapist will evaluate your physical condition, you will be asked to complete surveys and be tested to see how well you are able to do everyday activities using your prosthesis. Study participation usually involves 2-3 visits, although additional training sessions may be required or requested. Each visit will take approximately 3 hours to complete.
Is there compensation? All participants will receive compensation for their time. If you live more than two hours from the study site, we can pay for travel.
What happens next? For more information and to determine if you are eligible, please contact the study coordinator, Laura Rohrbaugh, at 919-513-3840 or nrel.ncsu@gmail.com.
Help spread the word! Do you know someone else uses an above-the-knee prosthesis? Please ask them to participate too!
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To learn more about this study or to browse other research studies that you can join, please visit our Volunteer Research Opportunities webpage.