Smart prosthetic foot mimics natural ankle twist for smoother walking

NCT ID NCT03532100

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested a special prosthetic foot that can twist in a way similar to a natural ankle. Fourteen people with below-knee amputations walked in straight lines and circles while the foot's twisting was adjusted. Researchers measured how much force was put on the leg and asked participants which setting felt best. The goal was to find the ideal amount of twist to make walking more comfortable.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Torsionally adaptive prosthetic foot
What this could lead to: If successful, this could lead to more comfortable and natural-feeling prosthetic feet that reduce twisting forces on the leg.
What could go wrong: This was a small, early-stage study with only 14 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The device is still experimental and not yet available for prescription.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

LOWER EXTREMITY AMPUTATION

Contacts and locations

Locations

VA Puget Sound Health Care System Seattle Division, Seattle, WA

Seattle, Washington, 98108-1532, United States

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