Actively Recruiting
Evaluation of a Neural-Controlled Powered Prosthesis Across Diverse Real-World Tasks
Led by Massachusetts Institute of Technology · Updated on 2025-10-02
10
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
52 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating how well a neural-controlled powered knee and ankle prosthesis works for people with transfemoral amputations during various everyday movements. This study compares the sense of connection with the device, walking symmetry, and stability between this bionic prosthesis and the participant's usual prescribed prosthesis. The goal is to gather information that will help improve future bionic prosthesis designs for better integration with the human body and daily life. Participants will experience two types of prostheses: the MIT powered knee-ankle prosthesis developed by MIT's Biomechatronics Group and their own prescribed prosthesis. Each participant will use both devices to allow direct comparison in real-world mobility tasks. This non-randomized study involves wearing each prosthesis during different test sessions. During the study, participants will undergo assessments over about two sessions within one week to measure lower-limb movement patterns, walking step timing and rhythm, and the ability to control each joint of the prosthesis. These measures help researchers understand how the powered prosthesis performs compared to the usual device. The study lasts through the active testing period, with close monitoring of participants' mobility and device control abilities.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Evaluation of a Neural-Controlled Powered Prosthesis Across Diverse Real-World Tasks
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Male or female aged 18 to 70 years
- Have a unilateral transfemoral amputation
- Ability to walk at variable speeds with a prosthesis (functional level K3 or above)
- Have an adequate prosthetic socket to support the device
You will not qualify if you...
- Women who are pregnant
- Severe health conditions or atypical skeletal anatomy making participation unsuitable
- Poor general physical or mental health including other diseases, mental capacity issues, substance abuse, shortened life expectancy, or vulnerable patient status
- Body mass index (BMI) greater than 40
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Approximately 1 week
Participants wear the MIT powered knee-ankle prosthesis and perform diverse real-world tasks to evaluate the device.
An average of 2 sessions in the span of 1 week
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
MIT Media Lab
Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States, 02139
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
J
John A McCullough, B.S. Mechanical Engineering
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
2
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