Investigation of Motorized Lower-limb Prostheses
Northern Arizona University
Summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a motorized prosthesis can improve mobility in individuals with amputation. The main question it aims to answer is: * Does motorized prosthesis improve ambulation speed, balance, control, or efficiency when performing everyday activities? * What problems arise when using a motorized prosthesis? Researchers will compare mobility of the participants when using and not using the motorized prosthesis to see if mobility and/or function improves. Participants will perform various activities with and without the motorized prosthesis including: * Walking at a mild incline/decline (0°-15°) on treadmill or over-ground * Ascending or descending stairs * Stand to sit and sit to stand transitions * All terrain walking over ground * Turning * Any combination of the above-mentioned activities
Description
Participants will perform ambulation activities (see list below) while using their prescribed prosthesis or the motorized prosthesis in conjunction with their prescribed passive prosthesis. Each ambulation activity will be tested in four different conditions: 1. Ambulation with their personal (take home) device. This condition acts as a baseline to which the ambulation with the motorized prosthesis can be compared. 2. Ambulation with the motorized prosthesis in the "off" configuration (i.e., no power is applied to the motor). This condition demonstrates the impact of the device when it is unp…