RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Study of Locomotor Expectations for Ascending/Descending Slope and Stairs in Patients With Limb Amputations

This study aims to understand how people with lower limb amputations adapt to walking on different surfaces like slopes and stairs. For someone with an amputation, these everyday activities can be very challenging. Current 'smart' prosthetic legs can help once movement has started, but researchers want to create new prosthetics that can anticipate these changes *before* they happen, making walking even smoother and safer. The study will look at how healthy volunteers and people with amputations move their joints and use their muscles. They'll use special computer methods to recognise different walking patterns. The ultimate goal is to build a new kind of prosthetic leg that can 'think ahead' and adjust itself automatically to different terrains, improving mobility and confidence for people with lower limb amputations.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Dijon

Enrolment target

Start

20 Sep 2019

Estimated completion

01 May 2028

Lower Limb Amputation

What is this study about?

Imagine walking up or down a set of stairs or a sloped path; for most people, this is something you do without much thought. But for someone who has had a lower limb amputation and uses a prosthetic leg, these everyday tasks can be very tricky and require a lot of concentration. When you go down stairs, for example, your thigh muscles normally help slow you down. A prosthetic leg doesn't have these natural muscles, which makes descent much harder.

This research project is all about improving prosthetic legs. At the moment, some advanced prosthetic legs, often called 'intelligent' or 'microprocessor' prostheses, can help with walking on slopes and stairs, but they usually start helping *after* you’ve already taken the first step. The big challenge scientists are trying to solve is how to make these prosthetic legs 'anticipate' what's coming next – like knowing you're about to step onto a slope or a flight of stairs – and adjust themselves *before* you even start the movement. This would make walking much safer and more natural.

To do this, the researchers want to understand how our bodies normally prepare for these different walking situations. They believe that even before we step onto a slope or a stair, our brains and bodies are already making small adjustments. The study will involve carefully observing how both people with and without amputations walk on various surfaces, using special techniques to analyse their movements and muscle activity. The information gathered will then be used to design and develop new, smarter prosthetic legs that can recognise what kind of terrain is ahead and adjust themselves automatically, offering much better support and stability.

Key takeaways

This study wants to make prosthetic legs smarter and more natural to use.
It focuses on how people walk on challenging surfaces like stairs and slopes.
The goal is to help future prosthetic legs 'predict' terrain changes.
Both healthy adults and adults with lower limb amputations can join.
Participation involves walking assessments, contributing to future prosthetic technology.

Who may be eligible?

The study is looking for two main groups of people: healthy volunteers and people who have had a lower limb amputation. To join, you need to be an adult (18 years or older) and be able to understand simple instructions about walking. You also need to give your permission to take part.

If you have a lower limb amputation, it must be on one leg only, and the reason for the amputation (e.g., accident, illness) doesn't matter. You should have been using your current prosthetic leg regularly for at least three months. This helps make sure you're comfortable and used to your prosthetic.

There are also some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have another health problem (not related to your amputation) that makes walking difficult or unsafe. You also need to be able to give your consent personally and not have a legal guardian making decisions for you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Can you understand simple instructions about walking?
If you have an amputation, is it in one lower limb only?
If you have an amputation, have you been using your current prosthetic regularly for at least 3 months?
Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?
Do you not have other health conditions (besides your amputation for amputees) that affect your ability to walk?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

The study involves performing various walking tasks. You will likely wear sensors that record your movements and possibly muscle activity. There is no mention of medication. The study does not specify the number of visits or the total duration you would participate, but similar studies often involve one or a few visits to a lab or clinic for assessments.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could help improve future prosthetic legs, making walking safer and easier for many people with limb amputations. While there are no direct personal benefits guaranteed, you would be contributing valuable information to medical science. The risks are likely minimal, mainly related to the physical activity of walking, and researchers will take precautions to ensure your safety. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without needing to explain why, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

CHU Dijon Bourgogne
Verified postcode
Dijon, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a 'lower limb amputation'?

It means someone has had all or part of their leg removed, for example, below or above the knee.

What does 'anticipate' mean in this study?

It means the researchers want to design a prosthetic leg that can 'predict' or 'know' what kind of walking surface (like stairs or a slope) is coming next, and adjust itself automatically beforehand.

Will I get a new prosthetic leg if I take part?

No, the study aims to gather information to help design future prosthetics, not to provide participants with new equipment directly.

What kind of walking will I have to do?

You will be asked to walk on different surfaces, likely involving flat ground, slopes, and stairs, while your movements are being recorded.

Is this study safe for me?

The researchers will take care to ensure your safety during the walking tasks. If you have any concerns, you should discuss them with the study team or your doctor.

How to find out more

Paul ORNETTI

paul.ornetti@chu-dijon.fr 0380293745 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.