Ongoing Studies

We are actively recruiting participants for our clinical studies. If interested in participating, please contact us!
Please reach out to our head of recruitment:

Aarika Sheehan, DPT
216.791.3800 x 65832
ReLLiNC@aptcenter.org
aptcenter.org

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Center
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X-Large

Study Populations

 

Restoring Neural Connection in Lower Limb Amputees Study

Currently enrolling individuals with lower limb loss - this is a clinical study for veterans and non-veterans taking place at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University

What is This Study?

We aim to develop a bidirectional prosthesis. Using implanted technology, small electrical currents are safely delivered to the nerves in the leg of individuals with below-knee or above-knee amputation to elicit sensations related to the missing limb. Similarly, the electrical activity of remaining muscles is captured and utilized to develop a controller for a robotic prosthesis.

Requirements

  • Lower limb amputation
  • 18 years or older
  • Healthy residual limb
  • Overall good health

 

How Does it Work?

Implanted stimulating and recording electrodes are placed in your residual limb. Tiny wires pass through the skin in your upper thigh to connect with the electrodes. These wires are easily concealed with an adhesive dressing.

The small electric currents are passed through the wires to the nerves and can result in sensation in your missing limb. Recordings from your remaining muscles in the residual limb can be utilized to develop a motor controller for an advanced prosthesis.

Goals of this Study

  • Improve balance 
  • Lower risk of falls 
  • Improve ability to navigate complex/new environments 
  • Lower the energy cost of ambulation

 

Understanding the Role of Plantar Sensation in Diabetes

We are recruiting participants for a study examining the role of plantar sensation in people with diabetes and diabetic neuropathy.

What is This Study?

We aim to develop technology that can be applied to improve mobility and tissue health outcomes for people with diabetes, both with and without an amputation.

We are looking for participants:

  • over 18 years old
  • With or without lower limb amputations
  • With diabetes and/or diabetic neuropathy

These studies will involve experiments studying walking, balance, blood flow, and tissue health in relation to foot sensation. 

 

Studying how sensation is utilized by individuals without limb loss

We are recruiting participants for a study examining the role of plantar sensation in individuals without limb loss.

What is This Study?

We want to better understand how sensation is integrated with other physical and cognitive processes in people with intact lower limbs

We are looking for participants:

  • over 18 years old
  • Without lower limb amputations

These studies will involve experiments studying walking, balance, memory, attention, and other factors during functional tasks or activities of daily living. 

 

*This research is being done in conjunction with the US Department of Veterans Affairs.  

 

Image Size
Medium
Alignment
None
Image Size
Medium
Alignment
None

 

 

For more information on these studies, contact:

Aarika Sheehan
216.791.3800 x 65832
ReLLiNC@aptcenter.org
aptcenter.org