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NCT Number: NCT07645729

Evaluation of a Powered Ankle Prosthesis Capable of Bidirectional Control Via Neural Recording and Cutaneous Stimulation in Free-Space and Walking Tasks

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the performance of a powered ankle prosthesis capable of bidirectional control via neural recording and cutaneous stimulation, during free-space and walking tasks. This research aims to assess the sense of embodiment with the device, gait symmetry, and stability of a person with lower-extremity amputation walking with a powered ankle and their prescribed prosthesis. Findings from this study will inform future developments in bionic ankle design with optimal integration with the human body, with the goal of improving prosthetic integration into daily life.

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Key information

Conditions

Age range

18 year–70 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

MIT Media Lab

Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139, United States

Location status: Recruiting

Location contact

Christopher Shallal, B.S.

CONTACT

[email protected]

704-904-6112

About this study

In summary there will be 3 cohorts in this study, 1) a group of subjects that have an osseointegrated fixture with implanted electrodes, 2) a group that does not have implanted electrodes, and 3) non-amputee healthy control group to serve as a baseline comparison. In summary, the groups will be asked to wear a number of non-invasive sensors and the amputee groups will use a powered ankle prosthesis in place of their customary prosthesis. Data will be collected from various wearable sensors and other motion-capture devices as the subjects walk. At certain points during the study, the control settings of the powered prosthesis will be adjusted, either manually or automatically. Trials will also be conducted with the subjects prescribed prosthesis.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Male or Female age 18-70. The patient must have a unilateral transtibial amputation . The patient must have the ability to ambulate at variable cadence (an expected lower extremity prosthesis functional level of K3 or above).

The patient must have adequate socket to support the device.

Exclusion criteria

  • Women who are pregnant. Severe co morbidity, atypical skeletal anatomy, or poor general physical/mental health that, in the opinion of the Investigator, will not allow the subject to be a good study candidate (i.e. other disease processes, mental capacity, substance abuse, shortened life expectancy, vulnerable patient population, BMI >40, etc.).

Treatment and study plan

Powered prosthesis

Device

This powered prosthesis has the capability of providing active neural control of an ankle joint, and its control can be adjusted through a wireless link. It is motorized to provide positive power during walking.

Prescribed Prosthesis

Device

Subject's prescribed prosthesis

Primary outcomes

  1. Kinematic Measures of Lower-Limb Biomechanics

    Time frame: Multiple sessions across 1-2 weeks

    Quantitative analysis of lower-limb kinematics (joint angles in degrees) during level-ground walking, stair navigation, and other functional tasks.

  2. Kinetic Measures of Lower-Limb Biomechanics

    Time frame: Multiple sessions across 1-2 weeks

    Quantitative analysis of kinetic biomechanics including ground reaction and joint forces (Newtons) during level-ground walking, stair navigation, and other functional tasks.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2030
Study completion
2031
First posted
Jun 12, 2026
Registry last updated
Jun 12, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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