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Influence Of A Slope Adaptive Foot On Participation Of Veterans With Lower-Limb Amputations
Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development
Summary
Veterans with below-knee amputations are limited by prosthetic feet that cannot adapt to sloped and uneven terrain. This limitation results in reduced mobility, reduced balance confidence, and a higher risk of falls among some individuals who use below-knee prostheses, which have been shown to negatively impact participation in daily and recreational activities. The investigative group has designed a novel Slope Adaptive Foot (SAF) that is mechanically passive, capable of slope adaption on every step of walking, and maintains high levels of energy storage and return. Pilot testing of the SAF with Veterans has generated excellent results to date, with comments suggesting potential improvements in participation. This study will evaluate the extent to which participation and fall-related health outcomes are influenced by using the SAF versus a typical hydraulic foot in a cross-over randomized controlled trial. Using mixed-methods, the investigators will also collect long-term data of Veterans using their preferred foot to inform the development of evidence-based education materials for use in clinical decision making.
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 89 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
30
Start Date
2026-04-01
Completion Date
2029-04-01
Last Updated
2025-12-05
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Fillauer Slope Adaptive Foot
The SAF uses an articulated ankle and damped plantarflexion to accommodate slopes and uneven terrain. It locks when the forefoot reaches the ground at the beginning of stance phase, which allows the SAF to re-align, or adapt, to the walking surface. After the SAF locks, the laminated foot plate can deflect and store energy as dorsiflexion occurs, returning that energy to the user in late stance for forward propulsion. Finally, at the end of stance phase, when the toe leaves the ground, the SAF unlocks and actively dorsiflexes the ankle to increase toe clearance during swing.
Fillauer Motion Foot SLX
The SLX is an articulated, hydraulic ankle that provides passive ankle motion through damped plantarflexion and dorsiflexion to facilitate slope accommodation.
Locations (1)
Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States