Research Recruiting Participants with Above-Knee Amputations
Are you a lower limb prosthesis user? We’re interested in your experience: the functionality, your range of activities, and the effectiveness of various prostheses and terminal devices. The Neuromuscular Rehabilitation Engineering Laboratory (NREL) at the Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, NC State University, and UNC-Chapel Hill, seeks your invaluable feedback.
What is this 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 the amputee community, and to third-party payers who seek evidence about the benefits of newer and more expensive technologies.
Who can join this study?
- Unilateral, major lower limb amputation (above-knee)
- Regular use of prosthesis
- Between 18 and 70 years old
- Free from cognitive impairment
- Free from serious illnesses (i.e. stroke, severe heart disease)
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 sites (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 and could be more visits if an additional training session is required. Study activities on-site take about 3 hours.
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 lower limb prostheses? Please ask them to participate too!