Clinical Research Directory

TENS for Restoring Somatotopic Sensory Feedback in Lower Limb Amputees and Improving Phantom Limb Perception

The aim of the study is to evaluate the changes induced by a course of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) treatment on the perception of phantom limb pain. In particular, we want to evaluate the changes induced by a course of TENS treatment on posture, balance, and gait. For each patient, the study will consist of a total of 20 sessions (4 mapping sessions, 3 Stimulus Intensity Discrimination sessions, 10 rehabilitation treatments, and 3 evaluation sessions). One session will be carried out each day. Each session will last 60 minutes, except for the evaluation sessions, which are expected to last approximately 90 minutes. For the patient, the study ends with the last evaluation, voluntary withdrawal from the study, or the patient's death.

Clinical Application Observation on the Evaluation of Phantom Limb Pain With the Suralis System

This study tests whether a vibration-based feedback device (Suralis) can reduce phantom limb pain in people with lower-leg amputations over 3 weeks. Participants wear the device daily and report pain levels, walking ability, and quality of life - with no known risks, as it's a CE-certified medical device. If pain improves, the study team will help participants apply for insurance coverage to keep using the system long-term. The goal is to offer a simple, non-drug option that may help ease chronic pain and improve daily function for amputees. Participation is voluntary and can be stopped anytime without affecting medical care.

Automatic Prosthetic Foot Stiffness Modulation to Improve Balance

The goal of this clinical trial is to identify prosthesis stiffness that optimizes balance control in individuals with below knee amputations. The main question this clinical trial will answer is: • Is there an optimal stiffness that improves balance control for specific ambulatory activities and users? Participants will wear a novel prosthesis assembled with three prosthetic feet with a range of stiffness levels: each individual's clinically-prescribed foot stiffness and ± two stiffness categories. While wearing the study prostheses, participants will perform nine ambulatory activities of daily living (walking at different speeds, turning, ramp ascent/descent, while carrying a load, and while walking on uneven terrain).

Study on a Prosthetic Foot With Adjustable Heel Height

Most prosthetic feet have a fixed heel height, which requires users to always wear shoes with the same heel height. A fixed heel height is a significant constraint, whereas the ability to choose one's clothing freely is an important aspect of coping with a physical disability. The Taleo Adjust is a prosthetic foot with a hydraulic ankle that allows the user to adjust the heel height from 0 to 7 cm, depending on the type of shoe worn. This study aims to evaluate the impact of an adjustable-heel-height foot on physical appearance and participation.