Bionic leg feedback: can a neuroprosthesis bring back sensation for amputees?
NCT ID NCT04658693
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Sep 21, 2026 · Updated 6 times
Summary
This study tests a sensory neuroprosthesis—implanted electrodes that send small electrical currents to remaining nerves—to restore sensation of a missing lower limb in people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy and amputation. The 15 participants will also have the option of muscle recording electrodes to help control a robotic prosthetic leg. Researchers will measure how well the device works and its effect on walking stability.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Sensory neuroprosthesis (implanted stimulating and recording electrodes)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could help people with limb loss regain sensation and improve walking stability.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small early study with only 15 participants, so results may not apply widely. Implant surgery carries risks like infection or nerve damage.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
-
15 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Mar 2021
- Expected to finish
-
Oct 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
-
A government agency
The lead sponsor is a US federal agency other than the NIH.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
18 years and older
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Veteran * Chronic, medically stable lower limb amputation due to diabetes or insensate foot due to Diabetic peripheral neuropathy * Being ambulatory and ability to stand or walk with prosthesis or orthosis * Viable target nerves in the lower extremity as determined by standard-of-care clinical tests of nerve conduction, response to stimulation, sensory evoked potentials (SEP) and the like * Good skin integrity and personal hygiene * Absence of autoimmune deficiencies, seizure disorders or cardiac abnormalities contraindicating stimulation * Sufficient social support and personal ability to tolerate study procedures and comply with follow-up schedule Exclusion Criteria: * Active pressure ulcers or chronic skin ulcerations * Uncontrolled diabetes with HbA1c greater than or equal to 69 mmol/mol (8.5%) * Significant vascular disease * Significant history of poor wound healing * Significant history of uncontrolled infections * Active infection * Significant pain in the foot, residual or phantom limb * Pregnancy * Inability to speak English: The study design requires the subject to communicate and describe the elicited sensations in their lower limb * History of vestibular or movement disorders that would compromise balance or walking * Class II or III obesity (Body Mass Index \> 35) * Uncontrolled depression, psychoses or cognitive impairments. Subjects with unstable mental illness or severe cognitive impairments may be unable to comply with a long term study schedule * Expectation that MRI will be required at any point for the duration of study or while percutaneous leads are in place. At this time MRI is contraindicated, subjects who require regular MRI should not enroll * Arthritis in the area of implant- Inflammation or stiffness in the area of implant could limit placement of the electrodes
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Diabetic peripheral neuropathy are added.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Louis Stokes VA Medical Center, Cleveland, OH
Cleveland, Ohio, 44106-1702, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Can textured insoles boost balance training for diabetic nerve damage?
- Magnetic pulses to the sole: a new way to restore feeling in diabetic feet?
- Can targeted exercise help older diabetics stay steady on their feet?
- A new pill takes aim at diabetic nerve pain — will it work?
- A ZAP BEHIND THE KNEE MAY QUIET DIABETIC NERVE PAIN
- Could a sleep hormone ease diabetic nerve damage?