Study of Neural-Controlled Powered Prosthetic Ankles to Improve Balance and Stability in Adults with Below-Knee Amputation

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate the effects of training transtibial amputees to use direct electromyographic dEMG control with powered prosthetic ankles. The study investigates whether this dEMG control improves balance and postural stability, leads to more natural neuromuscular coordination, and reduces cognitive effort during movement compared to using everyday passive prostheses. Participants are randomly assigned to either a group trained with the dEMG controlled powered prosthetic ankle or a comparison group trained with their own passive prosthetic ankles. The study involves 15 lab visits including initial assessments, baseline evaluations with both prosthetic types, training sessions to improve muscle coordination, and follow-up evaluations at one month and three months after training completion. Training focuses on integrating powered prosthetic ankle movement with full body motion. During the study, participants complete functional tasks and assessments such as walking speed, balance confidence, and muscle coordination measures. Outcome evaluations occur before training, immediately after training, and at one-month follow-up using both prosthetic types. Researchers measure balance responses, neuromuscular synchronization, prosthesis embodiment, and mobility tests to assess the impact of the training. Visits last up to three hours and include photographic documentation as part of the research.

Restoration of Normative Postural Control